Anutin said it is not unusual for Pheu Thai to declare Udon Thani as the capital. He confirmed that Bhumjaithai is not interested in conducting polls because it campaigns organically and is happier this way. He guaranteed that the election will definitely happen soon.
At 11:30 a.m. on 23 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at Muang Thong Thani, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was interviewed regarding Pheu Thai Party's declaration of Udon Thani Province as the capital of the Red Shirt movement and whether this would affect Bhumjaithai's campaign. He said everyone has ties to their area and the right to express pride. For example, Bhumjaithai calls Buriram its origin. There is nothing strange about this. Everyone feels proud to say what they cherish. Pheu Thai did not claim Udon Thani as Thailand's capital but as the capital of Red Shirts. When Bhumjaithai calls Buriram its origin, people cheer. When the audience cheers on stage, it boosts morale; silence causes nervousness and loss of spirit. So this is not unusual. When asked if Pheu Thai might be a dark horse, Anutin did not answer but said, "That question sounds very intimidating."
Regarding many parties conducting their own polls, Anutin said he is not very interested in this. He prefers to campaign organically and enjoys it. Over the past two or three weeks, he has listened to citizens’ suggestions that he had not anticipated. He then instructed officials and department heads to address the public's needs. He feels spending time this way directly benefits the people, helps the government achieve results, and makes the agencies productive. Doing this makes him happy and content.
When asked if organic campaigning effectively persuades voters, Anutin said to do what one is good at, happy with, and comfortable doing. He does not claim to excel at everything. When asked about discussing border issues during organic campaigning and Bhumjaithai's plan to cancel MOUs 43-44, and why this is not used in campaigning, Anutin said that since he is prime minister, he must consider the country’s interests. There are some limitations. If he were not responsible for the nation's dignity, it might be more exciting. But as prime minister, he must be cautious. If his words are interpreted as official statements and used for provocative campaigning, that is not appropriate. Therefore, he chooses to be careful and does not make these issues central to campaigning. Bhumjaithai’s campaign focuses on solving people's livelihood problems.
When asked why there are still rumors of no election as the voting day approaches, Anutin said there are none. "Don’t consume too much social media." The Election Commission has coordinated with the government and Ministry of Interior to prepare measures to facilitate voting along border areas if any undesirable incidents occur. The Election Commission has signed agreements and informed the government. We have acknowledged everything, so there is nothing to worry about.