Anutin declared readiness for elections since last year, emphasized that campaigning has no surprises, laughed at Nipit’s claim of vote-buying to fix the prime ministerial candidate A. Ang, mocked the Democrat Party leader also being A. Ang, and confirmed that Bhumjaithai relies on its own polls after electoral losses.
At 08:20 on 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, also leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, spoke about the atmosphere of campaigning by various parties. He said Bhumjaithai has been ready for elections since last year. During their time as opposition, they visited and met with the public.
Regarding Eknat Promphan, Bhumjaithai’s Bangkok leader, suggesting a surprise visit by the prime minister, Anutin said there would be no surprises because the prime minister does not personally campaign. The party leader must campaign and support the party’s candidates as much as possible.
When asked about public demand for the Khon La Khrueng Plus project, Anutin said it is a clear policy of Bhumjaithai. At the launch, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas expressed strong commitment to push Phase 2 as a key party policy.
On expectations for Bangkok, Anutin said they expect results wherever they field candidates because every party candidate must build maximum public confidence.
Asked about the NIDA poll showing the Democrat Party leading Bhumjaithai in Songkhla in the south, Anutin said regarding polls that sometimes Bhumjaithai must admit their own work. He suggested asking other ministers if they know their own polls. For example, in Chonburi, parties have different approaches. Bhumjaithai in the south has consistently scored 0.6-0.7 percent. In 2019 and 2023, gaining 5 percent was already good, and now 10-20 percent is even better. But good poll results do not slow their work. He reaffirmed that Bhumjaithai relies on its own polls. Asked whether this is due to solving flooding in the south, he said he did not know.
Regarding rumors about a fixed prime ministerial candidate, Anutin asked to avoid discussing trends because they are unstable and change constantly. He preferred to focus on solid facts. When academics say the cabinet and prime minister candidate are fixed, he said they are commenting based on available data.
On the case where Mr. Nipit Intarasombat posted allegations of vote-buying to secure votes for PM candidate A. Ang, Anutin said the Democrat Party leader is also A. Ang and naturally supports his own leader. He then jokingly called the situation “Apitin.”