Anutin hopes to break Phuket's electoral deadlock, pleased that local vendors praise his border problem solutions. He counters critics who accuse Bhumjaithai of exploiting nationalism, asking if they are truly Thai and what is wrong with patriotism. Before continuing his spiritual tour, he pays respects at Phuket's historic shrine, strikes the bell 37 times, venerates "Khun Ying Jan" and "Khun Muk," and will continue campaigning in Phang Nga this afternoon.
At 09:00 on 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at Phuket Agricultural Market in Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province, Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and leader of Bhumjaithai Party, was interviewed about the last election in Phuket where Bhumjaithai won no seats and his strategy this time. He said they must work harder on the ground as they have been doing, fielding candidates in all three districts who are locals, young, energetic, and understand the people's needs. In Phuket, people want solutions to illegal street racing and reckless driving by foreign tourists who disregard laws, prompting calls to revoke the visa-free policy. He explained this is unrelated to visa-free entry but a matter of law enforcement. He stressed that police responsible for traffic must strictly enforce laws to solve the problem, not just cancel visa-free entry.
When asked if praise from Phuket vendors for border problem solutions could be a Bhumjaithai selling point, Anutin said that the people's patriotism is deeply ingrained; Thai citizens will not allow anyone to threaten or violate the country's sovereignty. Phuket is thousands of kilometers away from the Thai-Cambodian border, yet people still feel this strongly. He said this should not be used as a vote-getting tactic. The government is praised because it is committed to protecting the country's sovereignty, ensuring all Thais are confident that their nation's honor, sovereignty, and land will not be invaded or occupied by foreigners.
When asked if this election could shift the seat color from orange to blue, Anutin replied, "We must hope for the best."
Asked if border closures would continue after resolving border issues, Anutin said yes, they must do their best with fairness, avoiding seeking advantages. He said he never seeks advantages, even when playing golf with champions, so he stays focused. If given advantages, effort and intensity would decrease. This approach applies to all 400-500 constituencies, including Buriram and Uthai Thani provinces, with no advantages, just fairness.
Asked about accusations that Bhumjaithai is stirring nationalism, Anutin responded that if they are not nationalistic towards Thailand, and if critics say nationalism is bad, are they really Thai? Do they prefer other countries over Thailand? If so, how can they volunteer to work for the country? He explained nationalism means more than loving the land; it means supporting Thai products, using them extensively, traveling within Thailand instead of abroad, not spending Thai money overseas, and fostering unity among Thai people without undervaluing each other. This is the nationalism Bhumjaithai supports. He asked what is wrong with that, saying it will only gain votes.
Reporters asked about Anutin's campaign slogan after Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, southern leader of Bhumjaithai, used "Phiphat Can Stand Firm (Trustworthy)." Anutin said, "Choose a down-to-earth prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul," then asked the reporters if they liked it.
Continuing his spiritual tour, he paid respects at Phuket's historic shrine and struck the bell 37 times.
At 09:37, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai Party, accompanied by Thanon Niramit, wife of southern leader Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, and Traisulee Traisoranakul, Bhumjaithai party list candidate, visited Jui Tui Shrine, one of Phuket's oldest and most historic shrines.
Anutin and his group paid respects to the shrine's sacred deities and the Golden Door of Kiu Ong Tai Te, praying for success, power, and safety. Anutin then applied gold leaf to the shrine's door and its fence, saying a fence must be built according to Bhumjaithai's "Golden Fence" policy.
Anutin then received blessings at the same spot, wishing him health and fulfillment of his desires. He responded with the traditional Chinese celebratory chant, "Ho Ho Ho."
Next, Anutin struck the bell 37 times, saying "Sa Jap Chik," which means 37 in Teochew Chinese, the number of Bhumjaithai Party in the upcoming 8 February election.
Later, Anutin explained that applying gold leaf to the fence symbolizes that Thailand's fence is made of gold, which remains gold even if burned, meaning no one can breach it. The 37 bell strikes were done for peace of mind, indicating he is not engaging in superstitions.
Afterwards, Anutin visited and paid respects at the monuments of Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon with Bhumjaithai's Phuket candidates, a key local landmark. This marked the official start of their campaign in Phuket before traveling to campaign in Phang Nga this afternoon.
