Dr. Ae Suchatvee heads south to campaign for Thai Khao Mai party candidates, launching in Surat Thani. He highlights policies for a high-speed railway alongside the Andaman rail line connecting Malaysia and Singapore, aiming to boost Phuket as an ASEAN hub, confidently stating the party can compete against established local powers.
12 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, known as Dr. Ae, prime ministerial candidate and leader of the Thai Khao Mai party, visited Surat Thani province to campaign for the party's five constituency candidates. This marked the first campaign event in the southern region. In the morning, Mr. Suchatvee and the Thai Khao Mai candidates toured the five constituencies by campaign truck to introduce the candidates and the party, number 49, starting from in front of Wang Tai Hotel and heading to pay respects at the Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine for good luck.
Mr. Suchatvee said this visit was to present the party's policies tailored to the southern region. His mother hails from Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province, so he considers himself a child of the South as well. Thai Khao Mai's policy focuses on accelerating the high-speed rail project connecting the South to Malaysia and Singapore to stimulate trade and economic opportunities for the region. He pledged to push this project forward swiftly.
Additionally, the party proposes building the Andaman rail line connecting Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket provinces with Trang, Satun, and Malaysia to promote trade and tourism, attracting investment to the area. They aim to develop Phuket as an ASEAN hub and support a special administrative model similar to Bangkok. The party also plans to address agricultural issues, especially the exploitation of farmers by foreign fruit warehouses, by establishing centralized warehouses to strengthen farmers' bargaining power and open markets that protect Thai companies from price suppression. Furthermore, they propose solutions to poverty by reclaiming over 100,000 rai of farmland in Surat Thani, supporting free education up to doctoral level for southern children, and eliminating student loan debt.
The party leader also commented on the 11 bombings at gas stations across the three southern border provinces, expressing condolences and sending support to citizens, officials, and military personnel involved. He emphasized that the solution must go beyond military and political measures, focusing instead on the principle of 'understand, reach out, develop' inspired by King Rama IX's philosophy. This includes developing education in line with local cultures and offering free education both inside and outside the region to create sustainable peace and opportunities.
Regarding concerns about local political factions in the South, Mr. Suchatvee said that the recent local administrative elections in Surat Thani clearly indicate the public's desire for change. He asked for the opportunity to serve again as prime minister to lead the country forward. He stressed that his political work is transparent and without hidden agendas. The positive response during this southern tour was encouraging, though he acknowledged the need to work harder as a new party, since voters may be more familiar with individuals than the party itself. He affirmed that Thai Khao Mai will hold a major rally in the South soon.
