Phiphat expressed concern after the Songkhla poll showed the Democrat Party leading, but he remains confident in the positive response to the Khon La Khrueng Plus program. He reaffirmed the target of winning 31 seats in the South and highlighted the final major campaign rallies featuring Anutin, Ekniti, and Supajee on stage.
On 5 January 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, and a key leader of the Bhumjaithai Party in the southern region, commented on the NIDA poll in Songkhla that supports Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva as prime minister candidate and the Democrat Party. He said this was normal, but as a political party and as the party assigned to oversee the South, they must keep trying to present what Bhumjaithai has accomplished from 2019 until now. He admitted feeling concerned but not overly so, as times and eras change. He expressed confidence in Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the party leader and acting prime minister for the past three months, who has managed the country and provided clarity in many areas more than in any previous period.
Regarding whether Bhumjaithai can still win the people's support in the remaining time, Mr. Phiphat said they are not trying to buy votes but to present their work. They want people in the 14 southern provinces to know what Bhumjaithai has done so far and what they plan to do after the 8 February 2026 election. He believes southern voters understand what Bhumjaithai has offered, and when they present plans, they must be achievable, not just empty promises. Bhumjaithai will only propose what can actually be done.
On Bhumjaithai’s goal in the South, Mr. Phiphat stated he is confident they will win 31 seats and will strive for even more. Since competition in the South involves about three political parties, he remains confident they will secure the most constituency seats. He emphasized that as he and others are entrusted with this work, political work is not easy. They must address the people's needs in all aspects, but most importantly, they must convince voters that what they say can be delivered.
Regarding any trump cards for the remaining campaign period, Mr. Phiphat said there are none. Bhumjaithai will present only what is achievable and will not propose unrealistic projects. They will focus on policies like Khon La Khrueng Plus, which they will continue if they lead the government formation. From his visits to market vendors, he has received very positive feedback about the Khon La Khrueng Plus program.
The major Bhumjaithai rallies in the South will begin on 28 January 2026, starting in Ranong province, and will conclude in Phatthalung province on 6 February 2026, coinciding with a major rally in Bangkok.
Additional highlights to watch include rallies on 30 January 2026 in Phuket, 3 February in Surat Thani, 4 February in Songkhla, and 5 February in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, party leader, along with Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Mrs. Supajee Suthumphand, will join the campaign stages in the South.