“Theng Natthapong” launched a campaign in Chiang Rai to support MP candidates, urging voters to participate in the February 8 election and pledging to eliminate gray-quota politics. Meanwhile, “Piyabutr” is intensifying efforts in Chum Phae, Khon Kaen, appealing for a full vote for the “orange” party.
On 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, visited Chiang Rai to support MP candidates’ campaigns throughout the day, receiving warm responses from local residents. He highlighted the historic election without Senate involvement in choosing the prime minister.
In the morning, Mr. Natthapong went to Chiang Saen Market in Chiang Saen District to support Mr. Sutat Yala, MP candidate for District 7. He met and spoke with vendors and shoppers, receiving a very positive reception.
Mr. Natthapong spoke from a campaign vehicle, emphasizing the importance of the February 8 election: “This election is completely different from previous ones because the Senate will no longer vote alongside MPs to select the prime minister. Therefore, every citizen’s vote is the ultimate power in choosing the country's leadership.”
The People's Party leader also criticized the old political structure that focused on gathering votes to allocate ministerial quotas without considering candidates’ backgrounds. He noted that some officials had histories involving drugs, human trafficking, or even the “flour trading” scandal, yet still held leadership roles. Mr. Natthapong affirmed that the People's Party will shift to a merit-based system rather than quota politics serving politicians’ interests.
Regarding Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, deputy leader of the People's Party, preparing to sue social media pages—drawing comparisons to former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s rare lawsuits against citizens—Mr. Natthapong clarified that the party supports freedom of expression and welcomes political criticism. However, when false or distorted information is used to attack and cause harm, the party must use legal rights to protect the truth and prevent the public from falling victim to fake news.
In the afternoon, Mr. Natthapong and his team continued campaigning along the Chiang Saen–Golden Triangle road, then headed to Mae Chan Market (District 2) and concluded at Ban Du Market in Mueang Chiang Rai District (District 1).
Chiang Rai has seven MP constituencies. In the previous election, the Move Forward Party won three seats, while the Pheu Thai Party won four. This campaign by the People's Party is seen as an effort to maintain existing support and expand territory against key northern rivals.
“Piyabutr” Intensifies Campaign, Urges Full Vote for the “Orange” Party
At 10:00 on 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, at Sok Nam Sai Health Park in central Chum Phae, Khon Kaen, Mr. Apichai Chatameena, or “Hia Oh,” People's Party MP candidate for Khon Kaen District 6, held a campaign rally. Former Move Forward Party secretary-general Mr. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul joined as campaign assistant, along with Mr. Kanisorn Khurirung, People's Party party-list candidate. Over 300 people from Chum Phae, Phu Pha Man, Si Chomphu districts and the Na Jan and Sam Yang subdistricts attended.
Mr. Apichai, or Hia Oh, stated that if elected, his first priorities would be raising agricultural product prices, solving the current drug epidemic, forgiving debts of elderly farmers, increasing elderly welfare payments from 600 to 1,000 baht, converting all land rights documents to land titles, and resolving land overlap issues affecting the people.
Mr. Piyabutr said that all parties currently running have previously held government leadership roles but have failed to solve people’s problems. Only the People's Party asks for a chance from the people, the true power of the country, to govern. He urged voters to choose the “orange” party fully—vote for People's Party number 46, Khon Kaen District 6 candidate Hia Oh number 3, and approve the referendum to amend the constitution. This will allow solving people’s problems. The February 8 election will determine the future of the country, the people, and our children.