Kanweer declared that ethnic levies remain unresolved and stressed the importance of not abusing human rights. He emphasized that the Phonlawat Party is serious about border regions, aiming to revive community economies. During a campaign parade in Chiang Rai Province, he appealed for votes to enter the parliament and appeared shy when locals embraced him.
On 7 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Kanweer Suebsang, leader of the Phonlawat Party, explained that choosing Thoeng District in Chiang Rai for their first major speech signaled the party's serious commitment to border areas. This region is home to Hmong ethnic communities facing human rights and land rights issues. He said their visit aimed to demonstrate their work around Thailand’s borders and underscored the importance of decentralization.
Kanweer further revealed that Phonlawat Party nominated Phanthawat Phuphaphanthakan as candidate for Chiang Rai's 5th electoral district, a dedicated activist. Phanthawat explained that Thoeng faces land-use and housing problems stemming from Policy 66/23, requiring land management for locals. Neglecting this has caused overlapping issues. Having worked with communities for 5–6 years, he stressed the need to address access to resources amid conservation laws affecting land use. Additionally, although Phu Chi Fa is a world-class tourist site, tourism has not prospered due to lack of opportunities. These are key issues Phanthawat and the party seek to tackle.
Meanwhile, Apisit Laisatruklai, Chairman of Strategy and Policy for Phonlawat Party, said this community is Hmong with distinct identity and history, but today is often simply generalized. By refining and presenting these aspects in a modern context, they are not just recounting history but addressing current realities. This involves agricultural products, clothing, silverware, and especially community tourism. He noted that income currently comes from outside but developing tourism industry would bring genuine external money, increasing local incomes. He emphasized that community economy, grassroots economy, and creative economy are interconnected.
Kanweer reiterated that Thailand has ethnic communities nationwide. Although the Ethnic Groups Act has passed, its implementation remains limited, leaving many behind. He stressed the need to push for ethnic group committees. Previous governments have not succeeded in uniting these groups. Everyone must voice their opinions. Participation still excludes many groups in Thailand. Phonlawat Party will monitor law enforcement and follow up. Basic rights issues persist, including many informal workers. They aim for inclusive processes.
Regarding the ethnic levy problem, despite crackdowns, Kanweer noted that over 480,000 people still lack transparent rights. The Phonlawat Party will pursue cooperation from the Ministry of Interior, local authorities, village chiefs, and headmen to combat corruption linked to human rights. For more than 600,000 people, measures from Cabinet resolutions and the Ministry of Interior must be established to ensure ethnic levies do not recur.
Later at 08:00 GMT+7, Kanweer, alongside Apisit and Phanthawat, rode a campaign parade vehicle from Thoeng Technical College, passing Thoeng Intersection to Thoeng fresh market in Chiang Rai Province. Kanweer said during the parade, “We are planting our flag in Thoeng District, Chiang Rai. We offer ourselves to serve the people. Though Phonlawat is a new party, we volunteer to work for the people. Our candidate is not new here; he was born in Thoeng. We are ready to move forward with the people of Thoeng to make our province a better place to live.”
Reporters added that while Kanweer walked through Thoeng fresh market, vendors greeted him with smiles. Some recognized him from television and said he is more handsome in person than in pamphlets. A fruit vendor, seeing Kanweer, suddenly hugged him and said, “If Thailand had a hundred people like you, Kanweer, it would surely prosper. I like you because you boldly challenge the old parties.” Kanweer replied, “Thank you. If you elect Phonlawat Party, we will give our best efforts to make the country prosper.”
