Dr. Jesda, a prime ministerial candidate from the Rakchat Party, wore a traditional Baba outfit to campaign in Phuket's old town. He warned about former President Trump's invitation for Thailand and Cambodia to join the "Board of Peace," questioning whether spending tens of billions of baht is worthwhile.
On 24 Jan 2026 06:30 GMT+7, Associate Professor Dr. Jesda Tonawanik, prime ministerial candidate from the Rakchat Party, revealed during a campaign visit to meet residents at Phuket's morning market. Speaking in both Thai and English, he observed that many political parties currently focus on populist policies to attract voters but overlook emerging international crises. Notably, former US President Donald Trump sent letters inviting leaders from over 60 countries, including Thailand and neighboring Cambodia, to join the founding membership of the Board of Peace. A key condition is a contribution fee of 1 billion USD, equivalent to over 30 billion baht. This new issue requires Thailand to prepare answers and thoroughly assess risks, as it remains unclear what the US and Trump truly intend and what impacts joining might have.
Associate Professor Dr. Jesda stated this is a major issue that all political parties, especially current government officials, prime ministers, ministers, and potential future ruling parties, must consider carefully. Although the current government may be interim, they will eventually face managing risks amid conflicts between global powers such as the US and China, both of which have also been invited to this forum.
Associate Professor Dr. Jesda said Thailand must systematically weigh its options. If joining this forum, it must clearly define how it differs from platforms like the United Nations, what positive outcomes it offers Thailand, and whether it might cause any negative impacts. Additionally, it should evaluate whether it can help resolve recurring issues Thailand faces, such as its relationship with Cambodia. He emphasized that while addressing domestic issues is important, foreign threats are ongoing and longstanding.
"International threats have long been upon us, persisting for hundreds of years, especially the pressing daily situation with Thailand and Cambodia. How will this forum resolve that?" he asked.
In closing, Associate Professor Dr. Jesda said the Rakchat Party has already devised strategies on Thailand's stance for various changing situations and will gradually present the party's proposals to the public.
After the interview, Associate Professor Dr. Jesda led the Rakchat Party team (list number 35), including Chanin Pinthong, party director (list position 3); Chaiporn Jirawinichnan, party spokesperson (list position 4); Tatsanai Thongmee, deputy party leader (list position 6); Rawee Laopoonrangsri, deputy party leader (list position 7); Thart Pojanapraphan, deputy party leader (list position 8); Ratthapoom Wallikul, party treasurer (list position 9); and Thitiphan Keyanon, party secretary general. They changed attire and collectively wore traditional "Baba" costumes, a distinctive local dress of Phuket's Peranakan community, to visit Phuket Old Town, meeting locals and tourists.
The Rakchat Party's choice of attire was not merely for show but demonstrated the party's commitment to "cultural preservation" and promoting cultural tourism, which is central to Phuket's economy. The team walked along Thalang Road and Rommanee Alley amidst Sino-Portuguese architecture. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, with local vendors and residents waving and greeting them cheerfully. Along the route, both locals and tourists continuously approached to take selfies with the team in Baba costumes, offering encouragement and eagerly accepting policy leaflets.
"Today, we intentionally wore Baba costumes not just for aesthetics but to tell the people of Phuket that the Rakchat Party understands and takes pride in the local heritage. We are ready to promote Phuket as a world-class tourist city while preserving its traditional cultural charm intact," said Dr. Jesda.
This field visit marks a strategic shift towards creative campaigning, focusing not only on policy promotion but also on connecting with the local community through culture or the province's soft power.