Jest and Chaiwat led the Rakchat Party team to release eels before campaigning with the "Patriotism You Can Eat" policy in Chiang Mai. Meanwhile, Chakraphon campaigned at the San Kamphaeng fresh market in the morning, the hometown area of Thaksin, promoting the key policies of the Pheu Thai Party.
At 06:30 on 8 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Associate Professor Dr. Jest Tonawanik, Rakchat Party's prime ministerial candidate, together with Mr. Chaiwat Thanakmanusorn, party leader and prime ministerial candidate, visited and paid respects to Phra Wisutthiwatcharaporn, a third-class royal ecclesiastical dignitary, deputy district monk of Mae Rim, and abbot of Latthiwan Temple (Wat Phra Non Khon Tan) in Mae Rim district, a historic temple in Chiang Mai province, over 400 years old.
At one point, Phra Wisutthiwatcharaporn gave blessings to Dr. Jest, Mr. Chaiwat, and the younger generation working for the nation and land, wishing them victory over enemies. Then, Dr. Jest released eight eels while mentally dedicating mercy to all karmic debts currently binding them. He recited a mercy dedication and concluded by saying: “May all karmic debts that all of us hold against anyone be ended. We seek forgiveness and pardon from all who bear grudges or debts against us. Amen.”
At 08:00, Mr. Chaiwat and Dr. Jest led the party executives and party-list MP candidates, including Mr. Thitipan Keyanont, party secretary general; Mr. Rawee Laophunrangsi, deputy party leader; Ms. Chutikarn Suwankhot, deputy party spokesperson; and Mr. Thitipat Chankaew, candidate for Bangkok MP District 13, number 9, along with Coach Ek, Mr. Issarapong Charoenwarayut, candidate for Chiang Mai MP District 1, to the "Patriotism Begins with Listening" event at Nong Buak Haad Public Park on Arak Road, Phra Singh Subdistrict, Mueang District. They wore traditional Mo Hom shirts and sat in a circle, engaging in friendly talks with youth groups and the public.
Mr. Chaiwat emphasized the party’s position that patriotism must not be merely a beautiful slogan but must arise from taking action to improve people's lives. He invited everyone to join forces to build positive change in Thai politics. Regarding policies, the party prioritizes economic issues, supporting small individuals and small business entrepreneurs (SMEs). They aim to promote state banks' roles in lending to help small businesses stand strong.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jest said the educational policy many dream of is free education from kindergarten through bachelor's degree. The key question is the source of the budget to fund this. This encourages the younger generation to understand budget structures and the feasibility of government policies. He added that young people are the country's future. Youth also shared their views on labor market challenges insufficiently supporting new graduates, requesting more government measures or incentives in this area. They exchanged opinions on education and the country's future. Afterwards, they visited the Chiang Mai Gate Market to meet the public. Mr. Chaiwat encountered fans and danced the "Channel" song moves together, making the morning campaign atmosphere lively and enjoyable.
Chakraphon campaigns at San Kamphaeng morning market, promoting Pheu Thai’s key policies.
Meanwhile, campaigning in Chiang Mai province was lively. At the San Kamphaeng fresh market in the morning, Mr. Chakraphon Tangsutthitham, candidate for Chiang Mai MP from Pheu Thai Party for electoral district 3, covering San Kamphaeng, Mae On, and Doi Saket districts, along with his team, canvassed for votes at the fresh market and met with vendors and elderly residents, who warmly welcomed them with smiles and goodwill.
Mr. Chakraphon campaigned by promoting Pheu Thai's key policies, including increasing farmers' income, bringing the country to high-income status, making Thailand a regional hub, ensuring clean air and sustainably reducing PM 2.5 dust, lowering energy prices for the public, reforming energy structures, debt relief to alleviate poverty, expanding educational opportunities for children, elevating community health volunteers' status with dignity, tackling cybercrime, human trafficking, scams, gray capital, drugs, and lottery-related corruption. Many of these goals are targeted to be achieved within three months. Vendors unanimously supported Mr. Chakraphon to be elected again as MP for district 3, after his previous term from 2019 to 2023.
