The Kla Tham Party held a major rally in Chiang Rai where Thammanat and Narumon invited people to join the movement for change. They vowed to develop Chiang Rai alongside Phayao, emphasizing genuine responsible leadership—no backdoor politics—and stressed comprehensive support for remote areas and ethnic groups.
On 24 Jan 2026 at 18:00, the Kla Tham Party held a major rally at the central stadium of Chiang Rai province, in Rong Wiang subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai district, with a large crowd attending. Retired Captain Thammanat Prompao, party advisory chairman and prime minister candidate, along with Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, party leader, took the stage to support Kla Tham's candidates for Chiang Rai parliamentary seats: Mr. Wutthichart Kriangkasem (District 1, No. 6), Mr. Songphon Chewinmahachai (District 2, No. 4), Mr. Phithak Saengkham (District 3, No. 3), Mr. Surasit Jiamwijak (District 4, No. 1), Ms. Monthicha Chaibaan (District 6, No. 7), and Mr. Sutheerapong Wanchaythanawong (District 7, No. 6).
Professor Dr. Narumon said in her speech that many political parties have multiple prime minister candidates, leaving people uncertain who holds real power. But Kla Tham Party confidently supports Th (Thammanat) as a responsible leader. The party commits to a practical approach: doing what it promises and explaining when something cannot be done, without false hopes. Key concerns include citizens' livelihoods, especially land for farming under SPK 4-01, developing agricultural title deeds, and future legal reforms to upgrade farmers’ land rights to 'red Garuda' title deeds.
Additionally, the party acknowledged the problem of debt and plans to establish a people's bank to restructure interest rates fairly. Policies also include reducing production costs, such as a half-subsidy fertilizer project. The party aims to address structural issues rather than short-term fixes, including water management for agriculture.
Ms. Paweena Hongsakul, social advisory chairwoman of the Kla Tham Party, said the party has capable personnel in many fields. She chose to join because the party offers full opportunities to work on social issues, pushing policies on land rights for the poor and solving teachers’ debt problems, which directly affect education quality and the future of Thai children.
Retired Captain Thammanat said on stage that historically, Phayao district in Chiang Rai was the birthplace of a boy named Manat before Phayao separated into its own province. Thus, Phayao and Chiang Rai are like family who cannot be separated. Chiang Rai has remained with the same people and ways, but he asked if Chiang Rai people now want change. He urged them to consider Phayao’s administration, which has grown in all areas and become the top northern tourist destination. If given a chance by voters in all six districts of Chiang Rai where Kla Tham is fielding candidates, the party will develop Chiang Rai alongside Phayao.
“The Kla Tham Party is ready to manage northern river basins to solve both drought and flood problems, alongside addressing farmland issues and improving land ownership rights. Policies also cover reducing agricultural costs and mitigating environmental impacts from contaminated water sources. Additionally, we have helped remote and ethnic areas with electricity, roads, and disaster relief,” said Retired Captain Thammanat.
After the rally, Retired Captain Thammanat told reporters that Kla Tham Party prioritizes systematic water resource management in Chiang Rai, viewing Phayao and Chiang Rai as connected watersheds requiring joint planning for rainwater storage and flood prevention. He noted past local MPs obstructed access to cheap fertilizer, causing difficulties. Today, the party aims to help farmers cut production costs through affordable fertilizer and support for inputs, ensuring sustainable net income growth. He also emphasized the need for fairer agricultural loan interest rates and said the people's bank concept will be key to restructuring debt.
“Kla Tham Party is a northern people’s party; we do not engage in backdoor politics. Our candidates have worked continuously in the area. Today, we ask the people of Chiang Rai for a chance to join us in change and cooperate to develop Chiang Rai’s economy, agriculture, tourism, and quality of life, just like Phayao province,” said Retired Captain Thammanat.
