Pipat launched his election campaign, declaring a plan to transform opportunities across 14 southern provinces by focusing on three main pillars and seven development areas. Unfazed by poll results, he reaffirmed that Bhumjaithai moves forward with the slogan “Say and Do Plus,” confident of winning MPs as targeted.
On 4 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, a Bhumjaithai leader responsible for southern elections, officially kicked off his campaign via social media. He announced his vision of the “Three Main Pillars for the South” policy, pledging to reclaim opportunities for local people after noting that over the past 30 years, southerners have lost far too many chances.
Pipat stated that in the 2026 election, he volunteers to take responsibility for the South again, to reclaim lost opportunities for southern residents. He plans to develop the region through three key pillars: 1. Establishing a solid development foundation, 2. Building democracy, and 3. Strengthening security in southern Thailand. This is alongside advancing seven main development areas covering infrastructure, tourism and trade, agriculture and fisheries, industry, education and AI, society, and security, aiming systematically to improve people's quality of life. The goal is balanced, stable, and sustainable growth for all 14 southern provinces, creating jobs, income, and opportunities for southern youth to work in their hometowns.
Pipat emphasized that number 37 is not just an election ballot number but represents “hope” and “opportunity” that will shape the future of every southern family. He called this election a critical turning point for the South and asked the public to support Bhumjaithai by voting for candidate number 37—for the future of all southern children.
Later, Pipat spoke about his visits in Phatthalung province, expressing solidarity with Bhumjaithai’s MP candidates, both constituency and party list. These include Dr. Athikun Kongmee (Navy Air Captain) (nickname: Phu Kanchun) number 4 for constituency 1, Worath Therdweeraphong (Palad Men) number 1 for constituency 2, Khemphon Uytayakul (Munin) number 3 for constituency 3, as well as party list candidates number 37: Chonlat Ratchakitprakarn and Romtham Khamnurak. He emphasized that this team will be key to driving concrete development in Phatthalung.
Pipat noted that since 2019, when Bhumjaithai first had MPs in the area, Phatthalung residents have seen clear progress in infrastructure, especially transportation. This includes expanding main roads and key projects that have secured funding, such as the Manora Bridge over Songkhla Lake to Phatthalung, the bridge over Koh Lanta, and the Irrawaddy freshwater fish nursery center. These projects reflect Bhumjaithai’s commitment to bringing continued prosperity and new opportunities to Phatthalung.
Pipat said that Bhumjaithai’s current momentum in the South reflects the public’s “expectation” for genuine change after the region has long faced inequality and uneven development.
“From talking with locals, many express a shared wish to see politicians who truly understand the real lives of southerners, their economic challenges, jobs, income, and their children’s futures. I see this as a positive sign for Bhumjaithai, because we do politics through action, not just words, but truly 'Say and Do Plus,’” Pipat said.
Regarding political trends following other parties’ visits to Songkhla and polls indicating some continued support for certain politicians there, Pipat viewed polls as mere snapshots of opinions at one moment, not the final verdict of the election.
“I respect all polls, but the real election is decided by the lives of the people. Polls cannot fully represent the voices of an entire province or region. What matters is who can genuinely improve the future for southerners,” Pipat said. He stressed that Bhumjaithai will regain confidence through achievements, policies, and continuous local engagement, such as the Hat Yai ring road to ease traffic congestion, improved urban drainage systems to reduce long-term disaster risks, and the Songkhla Lake–Phatthalung bridge to boost the economy and tourism, truly increasing household incomes for the people.
In the remaining time before the election, Pipat, as the southern campaign leader, said Bhumjaithai’s main strategy is to communicate policies under the concept “Asking for a Chance to Reclaim Opportunities Lost for Over 30 Years.” Over the past 30 years, the South has repeatedly given political chances to other parties. Now is the time for people to carefully consider whether those opportunities have truly reached southerners. Bhumjaithai offers a new choice to reclaim opportunities that rightfully belong to the South, for the South.
When asked about the target number of MPs in the South, Pipat said the party aims for about 30–31 seats. Given current local responses, he believes the results could be better than expected if voters see that Bhumjaithai’s policies and approach truly address real-life needs.
“I prefer not to forecast numbers in advance because ultimately the people decide. But from continuous visits, I’m confident that Bhumjaithai’s approach is gaining attention and has a real chance to meet its goals,” Pipat concluded.
