Anutin laughed and said the 150 seats predicted by the NIDA Poll is an underestimate. He confirmed Bhumjaithai will compete in every district without dividing areas for coalition partners or rivals. He asked to play by the rules and noted that the politician with the initial "T" involved in drug cases is not "Tin". He insisted this does not involve Bhumjaithai or political discredit.
On 21 Jan 2026 at 11:36 GMT+7, at Nong Sangkhank Reservoir in Na Kae District, Nakhon Phanom Province, Anutin Chanvirakul, prime ministerial candidate and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, spoke about the NIDA Poll forecasting 150 seats for Bhumjaithai as the top party in the 2026 election. He said the figure is below their target, laughing as he said so.
When asked if he wanted 500 seats, Anutin responded, “Isn't that right?” He added that everyone's goal is more than 150 seats. He said the poll serves as a benchmark and a tool to assess their progress. If the results align with expectations, they can proceed confidently; if not, they must review and make corrections.
When asked if 150 seats would be enough to lead government formation, Anutin replied this would be determined after the election results. He said they never announced a range from 50 to 200 seats but rely on dedication and sincerity. He asked for public confidence and said the people will decide on 8 February, when they will know their role.
Asked again if they would divide areas with rivals in this election, Anutin asked what dividing areas means. He emphasized they will contest every district, with all Bhumjaithai members working together to seek votes from the public.
When asked if the former ruling parties approached them to divide some areas, Anutin firmly denied it. He asked if the reporter played golf, then said competition must follow the rules and be based on one's own ability. No one asks for areas, and no one accepts such arrangements.
Anutin also addressed a CSI LA page's revelation about a politician with the initial "T," a famous blue party deputy leader in the south, involved in drug trafficking. He said the police have not reported this but he knows from the news and confirmed it is not "Tin."
When asked if the military politician "T" views this as political discredit during the election, Anutin said this did not come from Bhumjaithai or the government. He said civil servants are continuing their duties fully, but the government’s power is limited during the dissolution period. He added that when campaigning, he has no escort vehicle, and governors and district chiefs do not dare to greet him, which he does not encourage to avoid trouble. He said he manages government administration while the civil servants perform their roles.
When asked if the minister responsible reported on the 10 politicians involved with scammers and drugs, and which parties they belong to, Anutin reiterated his policy of anonymity focusing on behavior. He said he does not ask anyone's identity but orders full action against lawbreakers without exceptions. He does not require reports on who they are or how to proceed, and has always followed this approach.
