Anutin campaigns in Isan starting in Nakhon Phanom, urging voters to support candidate number 37. He calls for the continuation of 'Khon La Khrueng Plus Phase 2' and the return of Bhumjaithai Party to government. Meanwhile, Chada opens up, praising Anutin for having no conflicts of interest.
At 10:45 a.m. on 21 Jan 2024 GMT+7 in Nakhon Phanom Province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and prime ministerial candidate, took leave from government service to campaign in Nakhon Phanom. This marked his first campaign visit in the Isan region, supporting the party’s four candidates for the Nakhon Phanom constituencies: Ms. Supphanee Phosu (Constituency 1), Mr. Nopachakorn Thanapyasit (Constituency 2), Mr. Alongkot Maneekat (Constituency 3), and Mr. Chukan Kulwongsa (Constituency 4). His wife, Ms. Thanon Niramit, accompanied him. Anutin’s first stop was at Nong Sang Reservoir in Nakae District to campaign for Mr. Chukan Kulwongsa, candidate for Nakhon Phanom Constituency 4.
As soon as Anutin arrived, locals welcomed him by placing marigold garlands around his neck and tying traditional Isan waist cloths, following local customs. The atmosphere was lively, accompanied by Bhumjaithai Party campaign songs such as 'I've Voted'.
Anutin then took the stage and asked if people remembered that two years ago he came here to ask for their trust and to vote for the party’s candidates to represent them. He expressed fondness for Mr. Chukan, saying he could never be angry with him. This likely referred to the time when Chukan voted against the party’s stance on the casino issue.
Anutin said that when Chukan speaks about the people of Nakae, he smiles broadly. He is someone who truly understands and relates to the people there. When Anutin talks with Chukan, he is confident that their conversations focus solely on the welfare of the people of Nakae, Nakhon Phanom. Two years ago, the people showed kindness to him, and Chukan has performed well as their representative.
Anutin asked the locals if they wanted the border checkpoint to open, and they immediately said no. They emphasized that the government's reluctance to open the checkpoint was due to hidden interests: illegal rice would be prevented from entering, thus keeping domestic rice prices high. Illegal rice, rubber, and other agricultural products would be blocked. The government also sold an additional 600,000 tons of rice, improving rice prices. Farmers are very important to Bhumjaithai. The party aims to find marketing channels that sell rice as rice—not just for starch or animal feed—because farmers work hard and deserve to sell rice as a product that retains its value. Thai rice is high quality and delicious, which is why it fetches good prices.
Anutin said that Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, was told that when negotiating with foreign countries, ‘Thai rice’ must be included in discussions. Given current global disasters and wars, food security is critical. Thailand now tells foreign buyers not only to consume but also to reserve rice to ensure stability. This approach supports prices. There’s no need to worry about jasmine rice—it’s already the best in the world—but its strains must be improved because competitors are catching up. Thailand must strive to stay ahead.
The government has never neglected citizens’ income. Whenever budgets allow economic expansion and cash flow for spending, they continue to develop the 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' program. Although it’s a 50:50 co-payment, it’s not just handouts; the people have dignity and must feel involved. Bhumjaithai considers this program vital for economic growth. Phase 1 has finished, and Phase 2 was planned but delayed due to parliament dissolution. Therefore, if people want Phase 2, they should elect Bhumjaithai back into government.
Anutin said he already has ties with Nakhon Phanom. The free dialysis project at Srisongkhram Hospital was where the then-health minister declared that dialysis must be free nationwide. Though briefly suspended for 3-4 months, once Bhumjaithai returned, the free dialysis resumed and will not be taken away again. This is the gold card for free dialysis.
This Prime Minister has already done these things for the people. He has raised the country’s dignity internationally and enabled Thailand to negotiate trade deals abroad. He has enhanced the value of Thai agricultural products and done everything for the citizens. When re-elected, he will push for 'Khon La Khrueng Plus Phase 2' for the people.
At one point, Anutin read from notes and announced good news: in response to people’s desire for a higher-quality hospital in Nakae, the party's candidates have listened and raised the issue in parliament and party meetings. Nakae will have a better hospital with a budget of over 200 million baht in the 2027 budget. The Ministry of Public Health has approved this, but parliament must endorse it. The person to ensure this approval is Mr. Chukan Kulwongsa. Anyone who dares to cut the hospital’s budget will not succeed if this candidate is elected. Anutin will also oversee to protect this budget for the benefit of Nakae people.
Therefore, the people of Nakhon Phanom are urged to vote for Bhumjaithai Party across all four constituencies to avoid internal conflicts.
Anutin said that if votes are split, candidates may hinder each other—that’s how other parties think. But Bhumjaithai focuses on what benefits the people. This Prime Minister never objects when other MPs suggest measures benefiting the public because his goal is the welfare of the people. He is happy simply knowing that the people of Nakae benefit. He said he is content even without holding office as long as the people are well off—with hospitals, debt relief, and enjoying government welfare programs. But if he can continue to serve, it will be a plus, plus, plus.
The Bhumjaithai leader said Nakhon Phanom has been generous to him. Locals participated in vaccine trials with 3,000-4,000 people, enabling Thailand to announce its ability to produce flu vaccines. The Bhumjaithai government will continue to care for citizens’ health with dignity at every age. Funding comes from government trade negotiations and tourism promotion. People must choose a government that works efficiently by reducing expenses, increasing income, and expanding opportunities. This is Bhumjaithai’s core mission. He asked for another chance, urging voters to select Bhumjaithai candidates and vote for Anutin, number 37. The rest is their responsibility.
After leaving the stage and before departing, Anutin greeted locals. An elderly woman tied a traditional sacred thread around his wrist per Isan custom. He also greeted senior citizens, who expressed joy at seeing him in person and wished for his success as Prime Minister. Anutin responded, “Don’t forget number 37,” to which the locals assured him they wouldn’t.
Mr. Chada Thaiset, Bhumjaithai candidate for Uthai Thani, explained why people should choose Bhumjaithai: it is a party without problems like some others. He asked citizens to keep an open and neutral mind, using Anutin Charnvirakul as a benchmark to compare and assess the party’s current proven achievements. He urged voters to consider whether other parties’ prime ministerial candidates have family ties to Cambodia and to carefully examine which parties have caused violence or loss, reflecting who truly loves the country.
Chada said that if people choose Bhumjaithai and Anutin, number 37, they will get a clear ministerial team including the ministers of commerce, finance, and foreign affairs.
“Why does Chada, with only two MPs from Uthai Thani, become a minister? It shows the party’s generosity in valuing capable people, not just vote counts. Bhumjaithai delivers more than promised and works happily like a family. This country’s welfare can only be entrusted to Bhumjaithai number 37. Others have failed for years, but Anutin achieved results within months. He isn’t a genius but knows how to appoint capable people to serve the nation, not himself. How can anyone not choose Bhumjaithai?” Chada said.
