Anutin Chanvirakul campaigned on Prachuap Khiri Khan's walking street, urging voters to support both him and the Bhumjaithai Party. When confronted about the half-half subsidy program, he firmly declared his intention to fully continue it. He stressed that the Land Bridge project must move forward and expressed confidence in managing it alone if other parties do not support it. He said he is ready to debate but lacks time to engage in conflicts on stage with anyone. He declined to comment on coalition party selection.
At 18:00, Anutin Chanvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, campaigned on the walking street in Prachuap Khiri Khan city to support Sangkhom Daengchot, incumbent candidate for the province’s first electoral district. Party leaders Napintra Srisanpang and Mananya Thaiset also joined the campaign. Upon arrival, a group of dairy farmers from southern Thailand presented a letter and gave Anutin a hat to wear.
Anutin then greeted vendors and shoppers on the walking street. Many asked about the half-half subsidy program, as they had not received benefits in the first phase. The Prime Minister had promised that if the government returns, the program would continue at 100%. Some also offered support for resolving the Thai-Cambodian border issues and pledged to vote for the Bhumjaithai Party as a family. Throughout the nearly two-hour walk, many people surrounded him requesting photos.
Anutin also sought votes not only for the district MP but also for Bhumjaithai Party’s number 37 on the party list, pledging to fulfill campaign promises. In addition to canvassing, he stopped to purchase food at several local stalls.
During the campaign, a local band performed the royal composition “We Fight.” Anutin approached, stood and sang along before concluding with “Long Live Thailand,” raising his fist as a symbol of determination.
The Bhumjaithai Party has no populist policies but is ready to push forward with the second phase of the half-half subsidy program if it returns to power.
Anutin later explained that the party does not pursue populist policies. Regarding economic stimulus, if Bhumjaithai regains power, they will promote the half-half subsidy plus phase 2 for the people.
Asked whether the subsidy would be split 70:30 as some parties propose, Anutin said no, believing the majority are satisfied with the current half-half scheme and that there is sufficient budget to continue such programs.
Anutin also commented on political opinion polls in the southern region, saying he views them as encouragement but relies more on dedicated, consistent local engagement rather than polls when meeting residents.
Regarding whether the Land Bridge mega-project in Ranong province will continue, Anutin said he initiated the project during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister overseeing the Ministry of Transport. It is essential for the economy and for establishing Thailand as a regional transportation hub in ASEAN, so it must proceed.
He emphasized that the Land Bridge must move forward. Even if other parties do not support it, he is confident his party can handle it alone.
When asked if other parties support the Land Bridge project, Anutin replied they do not, but he is confident he can manage it on his own. Reflecting on the campaign day, he said he focused on Chumphon and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, receiving warm responses beyond expectations. He expressed deep gratitude to the people of both provinces. When asked if he is confident about becoming prime minister again, Anutin replied with a laugh, “Of course, I must be confident.”
Asked about major mega-projects in Prachuap Khiri Khan and upper southern provinces, Anutin said he did not discuss at the provincial level because as a government they must address the country overall. The focus is on developing and upgrading transportation, increasing agricultural product value, and creating opportunities for citizens and producers to increase income. They will promote economic stimulus projects, including the half-half subsidy phases 2, 3, and 4, as much as possible, emphasizing effective annual budget management.
Anutin expressed willingness to debate but said he has no time to engage in conflicts with anyone on stage.
When asked if he will attend debates himself or send a representative, Anutin said he would attend debates. However, if the event is about quarrelling or trying to eliminate opponents, he will not participate because he does not have time for conflicts. He prefers to spend his time with the people, serving the country, and believes this approach is best.
When a reporter asked at the end about his views on selecting coalition parties if he becomes prime minister again, Anutin laughed and did not answer the question.
