Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit visited Nakhon Ratchasima to campaign for Athirat, praising him for giving up comfort to face hardships with the People’s Party, and urged voters to choose the People’s Party on both ballots to help change the country.
On 16 Jan 2026, at Non Daeng and Prathai districts in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, campaign assistant for the People’s Party, joined campaign activities with Athirat Ratanaseth, candidate for Nakhon Ratchasima's 7th constituency representing the People’s Party, number 6 on the ballot. They held rallies at Phu Wittaya School in Non Daeng and the Prathai Municipal Hall, both drawing large crowds interested in the speeches.
During his speech, Thanathorn asked whether everyone was satisfied with Thailand's current economy, society, and politics. He said the gap between rich and poor widens daily, with Thailand ranking among the top five countries worldwide in inequality. Education, which should reduce inequality and help future generations improve their lives, is now failing critically. All educational indicators show Thailand lags behind ASEAN neighbors. Graduates struggle to find good jobs. In healthcare, the wealthy pay for services, the middle class relies on connections, and the poor must wait. Medical personnel are overwhelmed, and the system is near collapse. The justice system—including police, prosecutors, courts, corrections, and independent agencies—has failed entirely.
Regarding politics, excluding General Prayut Chan-o-cha's eight-year tenure, there have been nine elected prime ministers in 12 years, each serving about a year. In the past 20 years, Thailand has had four constitutions, two invalidated elections, and four major protest waves, leaving the country stuck. These 20 years were a lost opportunity for national development. Thanathorn said it is time for Thailand to change; if not now, then when?
Thanathorn continued that the best example is Athirat, who many know was formerly a deputy minister but moved to the People’s Party despite greater comfort in other parties, where support and conveniences are provided. Joining the People’s Party required passing interviews and rigorous processes to become a candidate. Athirat left comfort behind to endure hardship with the People’s Party simply because he wants to see change and does not believe old-style politics can move Thailand forward.
In old-style politics, MP candidates gather local influence networks and provide financial support. When running for office, they buy votes, then use their MP networks to build factions and negotiate ministerial positions. Once ministers, corruption follows. Consequently, Thai ministers often lack proper knowledge or suitability for their roles, and the country stagnates with widespread corruption. Athirat grew tired of this and joined the People’s Party to build new politics together.
Thanathorn added that this is why the People’s Party revealed its governing team, composed of carefully selected personnel with appropriate skills for their roles, and importantly, the courage to undertake necessary but difficult reforms. If people are satisfied with the current quality of life—cloudy tap water, intermittent supply, lifelong debt to the Agricultural Bank unused but passed to children, and government officials exploiting citizens without state care—then no change is needed. But if people share the People’s Party’s belief that Thailand can be better and it is their duty to leave a better society to future generations, he invites them to regain hope in politics.
Many have lost hope, doubting that ballots can improve quality of life, so they choose the same old parties, thinking immediate money is better than uncertain change. Thanathorn urged not to lose hope or spirit. The 2023 election had Senate obstruction, but this election will not include the Senate voting for prime minister. He called on voters to choose the People’s Party on both ballots decisively, to elect the People’s Party government and its leader, Nataphong Ruangpanyawut, as prime minister. With no one to obstruct this time, he invited everyone to vote on 8 Feb with hope. The People’s Party pledges to do its best to honor the trust placed in it and to build a better Thailand to pass on to future generations.
