2026 Election: The Pheu Thai Party held its first major rally at Lan Khon Muang. Suriya vowed to show politics to his grandchild, upgrading the co-payment scheme with 70% state funding and 30% from the public. He said he is older but has gained much experience, reaffirming a target of 200 seats.
At 18:45 on 8 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Pheu Thai Party's third prime ministerial candidate, delivered the party's first major speech at Lan Khon Muang, Bangkok City Hall. He said, “Standing here hearing the cheers, I feel very energized. I'm here to tell the people that if Pheu Thai candidates win more than 200 seats, we can transform Thailand for sure. We must solve livelihood problems and upgrade infrastructure together. This is what Pheu Thai can do. Transportation must be accessible, safe, and affordable — 20 baht for the electric train, 10 baht for air-conditioned buses — achievable within three months. Housing must be cheaper and truly accessible through the 'Homes for Thai People' program. Major transportation arteries like double-track railways, ports, and new airports must be developed. Pheu Thai can do this to empower Thai people, giving them opportunities and prosperity.”
Mr. Suriya added on stage, “In my 25 years in politics, I have been a hardworking and challenging figure. I don’t do easy jobs. Every task I commit to, I never fail. Besides serving the nation, I also want to show politics to my grandchild. Suvarnabhumi Airport was completed when I was Minister of Transport during my first term, with Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister.” Regarding the co-payment scheme, he said any policy benefiting Thai people will continue, upgrading the scheme with the state covering 70% and the public 30%. These policies are achievable if we have enough power with over 200 seats.
“Some say I am old. I have grown older with more experience and knowledge. Old age may decline, but the party does not age; it grows stronger over time with new faces continuing our ideals. I have met many people, and I am 100% confident that I and the Pheu Thai Party can do better, but the condition is that on 8 February, people must vote for Pheu Thai to reach 200 seats.”
However, when mentioning the goal of 200 seats, some supporters shouted to aim for 300 seats. Mr. Suriya jokingly replied, “If we get 300 seats, there will be no friends left.”
