Yotsanan campaigned in Phitsanulok supporting all five Pheu Thai parliamentary candidates. Locals presented dried banana garlands, declaring readiness to offer more than the half-half scheme, with the government paying 70% and citizens 30%, to stimulate the entire circular economy.
At 18:00 on 20 January 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate, visited to support five Pheu Thai parliamentary candidates in Phitsanulok. The atmosphere was lively, with many locals attending the rally, overflowing outside the venue. Some brought dried banana garlands to present before he took the stage at Tha Khao Square, Mueang District, Phitsanulok.
Yotsanan said during his speech he was glad to receive the dried banana garlands, joking it would make front-page news tomorrow. He said Phitsanulok's quality should reach the world level and asked if he could claim all five districts. Without waiting for a reply, he declared that Phitsanulok was a stronghold for their party. He expressed happiness to meet the people of Phitsanulok, noting only two weeks remain until the election day on 8 February 2026, which is a day that will decide the hopes and dreams of the people. Pheu Thai is ready to turn the hopes and dreams of Phitsanulok residents into reality.
. He introduced a policy many believe could work, inspired by the half-half scheme. However, when speaking with market vendors, some said they could not even afford half. Therefore, he proposed stimulating the economy again, with the government paying 70% and citizens 30%. This is Pheu Thai's solution to poverty. Besides putting money in people’s hands to spend, it will circulate money through the economy, allowing vendors and producers to sell fully. Pheu Thai not only plans to spend but also to provide income for citizens. They aim to promote Phitsanulok as one of the country’s best educational centers so local youth won’t have to study elsewhere. .
He then announced a policy to wage war against all forms of poverty by ensuring Thai people rise above the poverty line through monthly income supplementation of 3,000 baht. Currently, 3.4 million Thais earn below the poverty line or less than 100 baht per day. Pheu Thai intends to continue what the Thai Rak Thai Party started — fighting all forms of poverty. The party declares that if elected, all Thai people will be free from poverty. Anyone earning below the poverty line will receive a supplement to reach 3,000 baht per month to support families and ease worries for their children. Pheu Thai will help all Thais overcome poverty together by topping up income to 3,000 baht monthly.
This anti-poverty campaign was a key policy that earned former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Thai Rak Thai Party widespread popularity among the lower middle class, earning him the nickname "Leader beloved by grassroots people."
Later, Pheu Thai detailed the "Thai Without Poverty" policy on their social media. The principle is to top up income to the poverty line if annual income is below 36,000 baht. The government will supplement only the shortfall to reach that amount. For example, if income is zero, the government provides 36,000 baht per year; if income is 20,000 baht, the government adds 16,000 baht; and if income is 36,000 baht, no supplement is given. Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and submit income forms. The government then tops up income to ensure a minimum of 3,000 baht per month. It is estimated about 3.4 million people qualify, with an annual budget of 60-70 billion baht for this income supplementation.
