Phiphat has set his flag in Hat Yai, campaigning in Constituency 2 to support Sastra with over 1,200 attendees. He stressed it is time to reclaim 30 years of lost opportunities by advancing projects such as the Hat Yai ring road, double-track railway, and flood solutions to revive the southern economic center.
On 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed a lively political atmosphere in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province's Constituency 2. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, southern leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, took the stage to campaign for Sastra Sripan, candidate number 3 for MP in Constituency 2 from Bhumjaithai. This was the tenth local rally, drawing over 1,200 people, reflecting an intense election contest and the party's ongoing efforts to secure Hat Yai, leading up to a larger event planned for the area.
Phiphat said he was born and raised in Hat Yai, especially near Kim Yong Market, which was once the commercial and tourism hub of southern Thailand. People from all regions and neighboring countries came to shop there. However, over the past decades, Hat Yai has stalled and lacked systematic development. He declared that now is enough of letting this key southern economic city fall behind.
He pointed out that Hat Yai has full potential with roads, railways, and aviation, serving as the southern transportation and logistics center linking Malaysia and Singapore. Yet, it suffers severe traffic congestion. The Hat Yai ring road project, planned since 1999, spans over 65 kilometers, but only 7 kilometers have received actual construction funding to date.
"The question is whether the remaining sections will be completed within our lifetimes. This is why the South must reclaim the opportunities lost over more than 30 years," he said.
Regarding infrastructure, Phiphat emphasized that southern development cannot rely on roads alone, especially the double-track railway system, which currently ends at Chumphon Province from Bangkok. The lower South still lacks efficient transport options. Thus, Bhumjaithai Party's policy is to push the double-track railway extension further south to boost economic capacity and reduce travel costs.
Phiphat also addressed recurring flood problems in Hat Yai and nearby areas, stating he has consulted with multiple transportation agencies, including the Department of Highways, Department of Rural Roads, and the Expressway Authority of Thailand. They aim to integrate solutions such as developing parallel road networks, easing traffic bottlenecks, and managing water systematically.
Sastra Sripan, candidate for MP Constituency 2, added that he is collaborating with academic institutions, especially Prince of Songkla University, to study flood solutions. He proposed establishing a “disaster fund” to provide concrete assistance to affected people, aiming to compensate households impacted by flooding with "100,000 baht each time," easing their distress during crises.
This election is a crucial opportunity for Hat Yai and Songkhla residents to choose representatives who understand the area, dare to raise issues in parliament, and can secure budgets to truly develop their hometown. Sastra affirmed his commitment to work continuously in Hat Yai over the next two days to build confidence that Bhumjaithai is ready to “plant the flag in Hat Yai” and genuinely drive southern development.