Anutin mocked Rom for fearing the Bhumjaithai Party, telling him to look at himself first after Rom accused Anutin of exploiting a Cambodian minister's remarks to gain popularity. Anutin urged not to belittle other parties. He kicked off his southern campaign with locals adorning him with sator pods and wishing for him to continue as prime minister.
On 13 Jan 2026 19:10 GMT+7 at the plaza in front of Khlong Thom district office, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed accusations by Rangsiman Rom, deputy leader of the People's Party, who claimed Anutin was capitalizing on remarks by a Cambodian minister to boost his own popularity. Anutin said Rom must be feeling uneasy, but if he is confident that he works for Thailand and its people, he should not be shaken. While Rom is usually eloquent, he seems unsettled here. Anutin urged Rom to emulate Bhumjaithai's approach of speaking only about matters beneficial to the people, avoiding wasting public attention by criticizing others. Politicians should focus on what they will do for the people, which is what good parties and politicians should do. Rom should follow their example.
When asked about Rom's expressed disappointment in using this issue for popularity, Anutin said Rom should examine himself closely—consider what he has done and who he associates with. Anutin stated he has never said anything to discredit others. Today, everyone works for the people and speaks about what they want to do for them. There is no need to malign or belittle others, as this is a matter of etiquette.
When asked if Rom's remarks stemmed from fear of the Bhumjaithai Party, Anutin briefly replied, "That is probably the case."
After the interview, a reporter asked why Anutin seemed so stern today. Anutin said he was not stern. When the reporter teased that he must have eaten sator pods to be so stern, Anutin responded that eating sator doesn't make him stern, but people should keep a two-meter distance from him.
He began his southern campaign at Ton Palm Market, where locals adorned him with sator pods and wished for him to continue as prime minister.
Later at 17:00 GMT+7, Anutin, accompanied by Bhumjaithai party leaders such as Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the party's southern commander, Chada Thaiset, Sabida Thaiset, and Sasithorn Kittitharakul, candidates on the party's party-list, campaigned at Ton Palm Market in Khlong Thom subdistrict, Khlong Thom district, Krabi province to support candidate Kittichai Engchuan for Krabi constituency 3.
The atmosphere was lively, with shoppers and vendors excited to see Anutin and many approaching him for photos.
At times, some vendors were hesitant to ask for photos with Anutin. His wife, Thanon Niramis, who accompanied him, spoke in the southern dialect saying, "I'll take the photo for you," and kindly used the vendors' phones to take pictures.
Along the way, Anutin thanked those who offered him longkong fruit, which he peeled and ate immediately. Locals gave him sator pods to wear around his neck, saying, "Wishing you to continue on."
Anutin then stopped at a pad see ew noodle shop, bought goy see mee noodles topped with fried chicken skin, and tasted them on the spot. He also visited a nearby grilled squid stall, purchased squid to share with his team, and later went to a fruit stall across the street. Although a vendor tried to entice him to buy and taste oranges, Anutin shook his head and instead chose to taste and buy rose apples.
A Muslim female vendor in the market blessed Anutin, wishing for him to return as prime minister. Anutin responded with "Ameen" while touching his face and patting his head to receive the blessing.
