Theng Natthapong showcased Northern dialect, endearing himself to Lampang locals by saying, “Do you miss Theng?” He confidently declared that this election will lead to his government’s victory after vendors complained about losing to the Senate’s influence. Locals flocked to praise him, saying he is very handsome in person. He aims to sweep all four Lampang districts and remains untroubled by the naming of MPs linked to scammers, stressing that they will be dealt with firmly.
On 22 Jan 2026 at 16:30 GMT+7, at Asawin Fresh Market, Sobtui Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lampang Province, Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, along with Ms. Tatsanee Buranupakorn, a party-list MP candidate, campaigned to support Ms. Thipa Paweenasathien, the People’s Party candidate for Lampang’s 1st constituency.
During the campaign, a vendor shared with Mr. Natthapong that she is from Buriram, elderly, and lacks government welfare despite holding an ID card, feeling neglected. Ms. Thipa urged her to vote for the People’s Party, highlighting their universal elderly welfare policies, then introduced Mr. Natthapong as the party leader committed to resolving these issues.
Another vendor said she sees him on TV every day and praised his good looks in person. However, some vendors worried that even if they voted, the Senate’s vote would override them. Mr. Natthapong explained that this election no longer involves Senate votes and assured that voting will definitely lead to forming the government.
Later, Mr. Natthapong stopped at a fruit stall and shared hope with good policies. The fruit vendor responded affirmatively, saying she would definitely vote this time.
After walking some distance, a reporter asked Mr. Natthapong if he understood Northern dialect. He smiled and said he understood somewhat but spoke very little. Then he demonstrated by saying in Northern dialect, “Do you miss Theng?”
Afterwards, Mr. Natthapong led the candidates campaigning, presenting the party’s policies and encouraging people to vote on 8 February. Along the way, many citizens asked to take photos with him.
Mr. Natthapong later told reporters that the Northern region remains a key target. He thanked Lampang residents for trusting them, which helped the Move Forward Party win three of four seats last election. This time, under the People’s Party banner, they aim to win all four districts to secure the most MPs and strengthen their position to form a people’s government.
Part of the Move Forward Party’s previous success came from support among the elderly. Thus, the People’s Party continues to push various elderly-related policies, such as immediately raising the elderly allowance to 1,000 baht monthly for all from 1 Oct 2026 onward, along with upgrading elderly care services.
When asked whether the new candidates can hold these seats, Mr. Natthapong expressed confidence. Incumbents who have not switched parties continue to work locally. Those who left may have personal reasons, but he believes local voters trust the People’s Party’s stance, ideology, and policies, so this will not prevent winning all four districts.
Regarding final campaign strategies, Mr. Natthapong said they need to help voters understand that last election’s low district votes were a factor. If voters see the importance and choose the People’s Party on both ballots, the party will have enough MPs to form a people’s government.
He is not worried about MP names surfacing in scammer cases and stresses firm action against wrongdoers.
When asked if he worries about MPs being named in scammer cases, Mr. Natthapong affirmed no concern, saying they will take action if found guilty. Those involved in corrupt funding are not limited to People’s Party members, so any agency with information should disclose it.
Regarding reports that a party candidate failed to repay a 200,000 baht loan, the People’s Party is handling the matter transparently and discourages exploiting this timing for political gain. If evidence exists, it should be promptly revealed. He has seen the news but lacks details and believes the party secretary will address it.
He respects the party secretary’s announcement to resign if the party wins fewer than 200 MPs.
Mr. Natthapong emphasized that the People’s Party’s candidate selection process is very open and transparent. He reaffirmed that if wrongdoing is found, they will act immediately. Regarding party secretary Sarayut Jailak’s statement to resign if under 200 MPs are elected, Mr. Natthapong respects this as a responsible leadership stance.
On the party’s call to remove the Social Security Office from government agencies, Mr. Natthapong agreed. He noted that while the Government Pension Fund is privately managed, the Social Security Fund, which collects contributions from insured persons, is government-run. The People’s Party cites a lack of transparency, such as overpriced building purchases and unnecessary expenses like building a cafeteria in a ministry. Though bureaucratically proper, the public perceives this as improper. If in government, the party will quickly reform the legal framework and has a new social security pension formula, averaging monthly contributions over a lifetime, ready for immediate prime ministerial approval.
He is ready to answer all questions from the Election Commission about campaign funding sources.
Regarding the Election Commission’s summons for the political policy committee to clarify unclear policies involving spending, such as lottery receipts and increasing elderly debt, Mr. Natthapong believes the party’s policy team is prepared to answer all inquiries thoroughly, having carefully considered funding sources.