Anutin campaigned in Sai Mai district, asking for votes for Ekaphop and joking that if he doesn't succeed, he's out. Locals urged continuation of the Khon La Khrueng Plus program and vowed that choosing Bhumjaithai Party means getting quality candidates like Suphajee, Ekniti, and Sihasak to work.
19 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and prime ministerial candidate, visited Sai Mai district in Bangkok in the evening, meeting high school students at Pratuangtipwittaya School, a well-established school over 60 years old. Teachers, students, and parents warmly welcomed him and took photos. Both students and teachers praised the Khon La Khrueng Plus program and requested its continuation, noting some had missed out last round. Many teachers also commended Anutin for handling Thai-Cambodian border issues, saying it greatly enhanced Thailand's dignity.
He then took a campaign vehicle to Wat Ko Suwannaram community, where many people gathered, cheering “Anutin, fight!”, “Prime Minister, fight!”, and “Bhumjaithai 37,” also shouting “Don’t open the checkpoint.” At this moment, Anutin raised his hand and joined the chant “Don’t open the checkpoint.” Meanwhile, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle convoy passed by, revving engines and cheering as he campaigned. While walking through the market, a local handed Anutin an orange and asked if it was sweet. Anutin then told reporters, “I know the oranges, of course.” This prompted Warawut Silpa-archa, Bhumjaithai’s party list MP candidate, to say, “The oranges from Bangmod are sweet; the prime minister chewed them thoroughly.” After several bites, playful teasing arose, “Why do you eat oranges so often?” He quickly replied, “I like eating oranges.”
Later, he walked to Jittapawan 2-3 village. Passing by a pharmacy numbered 37, he stopped to take photos in front of the shop. At the same time, a Pheu Thai party candidate was campaigning nearby, riding a vehicle through the village entrance and requesting silence over loudspeakers while passing.
At 6 p.m., Anutin gave a speech at Jittapawan 2-3 multipurpose yard in Sai Mai district to support Ekaphop Luengprasert, candidate for constituency 11 (excluding Or Ngoen subdistrict). He began by praising the good quality microphone and likened it to the responsive, quality people of Sai Mai. He urged voters to choose Ekaphop, whom he met during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Minister of Public Health, he couldn't visit every home, so he relied on Ekaphop from Sai Mai as a model to help other districts assist those in need.
“Back then, people might not have known Bhumjaithai, but now they see our work since entering government. We have done what we promised, though some things took time. We did not give up but sought committed workers for Bangkok. That’s why we invited Eknat Phonpan to join us.”
Anutin also said, “Luckily, I have no uncles or ‘Uncle’ to worry about, so I only respect the Thai people. Anyone invading or threatening Thailand, I won’t hesitate to stand firm.” He continued, aligning with the need to fully protect Thailand’s territory, confident that citizens are aware and involved. He said he decided on policies and asked the crowd, “Is this firm enough?” The crowd responded, “Okay.”
He then outlined Bhumjaithai Party’s policies they must pursue, such as cracking down on scammers and destroying gray capital, opposing casinos, policies well-liked by citizens. He noted recent deportations of Chinese nationals back to China after crackdown efforts, reducing scam calls. The electricity price policy of 3 baht per unit for 60 months was highlighted as widely known. He mentioned the Khon La Khrueng Plus program, which aimed to increase vendors’ income as phase two, but dissolution of parliament prevented its continuation. He promised to resume it when back in government.
The party leader added that there is no reason to feel disadvantaged; despite challenges, Bhumjaithai has accomplished many good things, though some setbacks occurred and were addressed. He said if the party hesitated to contest in Bangkok, people would lose good representation. He stressed the importance of quality, brave candidates like Ekaphop, who works passionately for his people.
He also spoke about border fence policies preventing illegal agricultural goods from neighboring countries entering Thailand, which had previously halved local product prices. When clashes occurred, the government and military installed wire fences to block illegal rice imports, raising Thai rice prices to 8,000 baht per cart. He explained the fence’s purpose despite damage, emphasizing its ongoing benefits along the border, including reducing drug problems. The national police chief reported increased drug prices due to government crackdowns.
Regarding the volunteer military policy, he proposed no more conscription by lottery but voluntary enlistment to ensure willing soldiers. He shared a personal story about his son, Saranai Charnvirakul, who at 21 thought his father had influence but was drafted by lottery (red card). “I sensed he would get a red card, so I preemptively bought army stickers on Line. At 11:30 a.m., he messaged me ‘red card,’ so I sent back a salute sticker saying ‘Love the nation, life and death.’ My son then changed completely.”
He also promoted vocational training for soldiers with diploma-level courses. If war occurs, they fight; if not, they help civilians, learn discipline, and can pursue careers after discharge. Those interested can advance to non-commissioned or commissioned officer ranks. He emphasized that in the past two months, the minority government has implemented these policies for the people. Bhumjaithai aims to lead the next government to push these policies forward.
Regarding party personnel favored by many citizens, Suphajee Suthamphan is widely recognized for her skills, with people requesting her support in commerce to improve income. If he returns to government, Suphajee will resume as Minister of Commerce. Meanwhile, Ekniti Nitithanprapas maintains the country's financial discipline, keeping the economy stable and citizens secure.
He continued that Bhumjaithai brings in suitable people like Sihasak Puangkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who confidently represents Thailand internationally. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for four years, is unmatched and recently joined the party but has worked tirelessly, earning respect abroad with fluent English. Eknat, a committed and democratic team member, faces legal challenges from the past, but remains active.
At the end, Anutin said, “Choosing Bhumjaithai means no complicated problems. You get the right people who are diligent, dedicated, experienced, and understand the work. Voters won’t take risks. This is our strength: personnel with good relationships with civil servants who can push projects forward. So don’t say much. On 8 February, Ekaphop Sai Mai must win. If not, it’s over. Give Ekaphop a chance because he is hardworking and handsome. I believe the people will support him. Vote for Ekaphop, vote for the whole Bhumjaithai Party.” ."}],