Anutin campaigns in Nong Bua Lamphu and Nong Khai, confident that the Bhumjaithai Party can establish a stronghold. When asked about the 10,000-baht cash handout, he replied that only the 'Half-Half' scheme exists, mocking the plan to give away one million baht daily to nine people, which would take 20,000 years for all Thais to be covered. He dismisses Nattawut as merely a clown calling for attention.
At 11:00 a.m. on 25 Jan 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and prime ministerial candidate, along with Mrs. Thannon Niramis, his wife, a Bhumjaithai Party leader and candidate for MP in Nong Bua Lamphu, after paying respects at the King Naresuan Shrine in Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province, proceeded to the Bhumjaithai Party coordination center. Mr. Anutin told waiting supporters that he came to see if the party's candidates were diligent and connected with the people, emphasizing that to represent Nong Bua Lamphu, voters should look at Bhumjaithai's hard work. He has visited Nong Bua Lamphu many times, including during the 2022 daycare center shooting incident, fostering close ties with the area.
Mr. Anutin added that this province should not be seen as a place for transferring problematic civil servants. If locals are elected, they will work hard, and such problems will not recur. Soon, civil servants will compete to be stationed in Nong Bua Lamphu. He asked if people know Buriram and Surin provinces; once there was a saying about Surin ‘pounding water and drinking it.’ Today, the situation has changed. Nong Bua Lamphu is a livable province with culture, and with more promotion, it will thrive. Tourism development will attract more visitors to Nong Bua Lamphu and nearby Nong Khai. It is Bhumjaithai Party's duty to drive progress in the whole region.
Regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation, Mr. Anutin said there is no need to worry; people can live and work normally. Security is the government's and officials' responsibility. He confirmed the border checkpoint will not open now, as doing so could lead to smuggling. There is no concern about conflict or war since no one desires war. However, if fighting occurs, he believes Thailand will win. Anyone invading our sovereignty will not be tolerated. Soldiers defending sovereignty will no longer be conscripts selected by lottery; the system will be revised to better meet the needs of patriotic citizens. The government will recruit 100,000 volunteer soldiers for four-year terms, providing military, vocational, and language training. The conscription system will end; those unwilling to serve can pursue careers, education, or other beneficial activities.
On economic policy, key initiatives previously undertaken will be resumed immediately, such as 'Half-Half Plus Phase 2.' He asked voters to give Bhumjaithai a chance, expressing readiness to work. He emphasized the party does not want a 'mini heart' but a 'big heart,' full of sincere commitment.
“I am a prime minister without a fixed style. Please choose Anutin, who is down-to-earth and simple. Give something new a try because the people of Nong Bua Lamphu have never had a Bhumjaithai representative before. In two weeks, I ask for your consideration. Over the past two to three months, I have come with the intention to work—speaking and acting accordingly. I am ready to do whatever benefits the people.”
The reporter added that during the visit, the father of Sergeant Sarawut Namsawat, a soldier from the 1st Light Weapons Company, 8th Infantry Battalion (R.8 P.1), who died in clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border, came to meet Mr. Anutin. Mr. Anutin offered words of encouragement, after which Sergeant Sarawut's father told him, “Please don't open the checkpoint yet.” Mr. Anutin replied, “It won’t be opened, not at all.”
At 12:00 p.m., Mr. Anutin arrived at Huai Duea Market in Nong Bua Lamphu to help Bhumjaithai MP candidates campaign, including Mr. Suwat Montri (District 1 candidate), Ms. Chayanan Pimkirit (District 2), and Mr. Anat Chintawan (District 3). Locals, especially children, eagerly asked for photos. At one point, Mr. Anutin carried two children on a motorcycle for a photo. Coincidentally, a family from Maha Sarakham, visiting the market, met Mr. Anutin and presented him with a coin dedicated to Luang Pu Kham Kesaro of Ban Nong Daeng Temple, Maha Sarakham Province.
Mr. Anutin greeted market vendors, tasted sweet tamarind, grilled sticky rice, and 'Look Krabok' (a local fruit), buying snacks along the way, saying they were delicious and new to him. Vendors offered him homegrown products like tamarind, papaya, and honey, which he purchased. One vendor offered him a peach, which he declined, saying, “I’m not giving up yet.” He asked if they remembered candidate number 37; many said yes, jokingly saying they would use it to buy lottery tickets. During the walk, a vendor asked if the 10,000-baht payment would be given, to which Mr. Anutin replied, “Half-Half.” He then had lunch at Huai Duea Market, eating spicy stir-fried wild boar and stewed pork leg rice, before continuing campaigning in Nong Khai in the afternoon.
Mr. Anutin commented on visiting the two provinces, saying today was Nong Bua Lamphu and Nong Khai’s turn. Bhumjaithai has candidates in all three districts of Nong Bua Lamphu, reflecting closeness to the people. He gave mini speeches and toured the market, sensing enthusiasm. Nong Bua Lamphu has potential to grow, and efforts must elevate it from a secondary city to a tourist destination. He wants visitors to Udon Thani and Khon Kaen also to visit Nong Bua Lamphu, which has cultural attractions and beauty. He is confident the people will trust Bhumjaithai.
At 1:30 p.m., Mr. Anutin was interviewed about the populist policy of the Pheu Thai Party. Regarding the claim to “make nine millionaires daily,” he said it differs from the Half-Half policy, which is a co-investment to stimulate the economy by increasing spending and cash flow, boosting economic activity. It is clearly different from simply giving money to people.
When asked about the pros and cons of cash giveaways and whether taxes could be effectively collected, Mr. Anutin said the 10,000-baht policy had no economic stimulus effect and was incomplete, making assessment impossible. The Half-Half policy, however, needs no academic evaluation because public satisfaction is evident; people want just half, and that makes them happy without requiring more.
Asked if large cash giveaways could cause problems, he said budget clarity is crucial. Policies competing in this way are not auctionable. He emphasized that policies must be well planned, not daily or reactive to competitors’ announcements. He trusts the public can discern this.
Regarding concerns that cash handouts might reduce financial discipline, Mr. Anutin said if free money is given to people, it must be comprehensive. Giving one million baht to nine people daily equals nine million baht per day, which is about 3 billion baht annually. With Thailand’s population of 70 million, it would take nearly 20,000 years for everyone to receive it. The question is whether this is equitable and who would qualify. Laws need to be prepared. He refrained from criticizing because it is another party’s policy.
Regarding Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Progressive Movement and campaign assistant for the People’s Party, who said post-election politics will be divided into just two blocs—orange and blue—and urged strategic voting to avoid vote splitting, Mr. Anutin said he cannot criticize others’ views. He focuses on his own role, never speaking about others, and is not concerned about other parties’ policies. He believes competition should be about good policies for the people. Confident candidates do not belittle others. Speakers should focus on their own messages, but most tend to criticize others, which he believes does not benefit the public but hides their own mistakes or weaknesses.
On Bhumjaithai being seen as a conservative party and whether conservatives should vote for it, Mr. Anutin said that if his party were truly conservative, he would only be a deputy minister. His work involves quick decisions focused on the public good. Conservatism includes positive aspects for the country, but he never hesitates to make improvements or reforms.
When asked if patriotic groups supporting the nation, religion, and monarchy should vote for Bhumjaithai to avoid vote splitting, Mr. Anutin said the party seeks votes from all sides and is confident the public loves the nation, religion, and monarchy. Bhumjaithai has delivered results despite a short time in government.
Mr. Anutin responded to Pheu Thai’s campaign assistant Mr. Nattawut Saikua, who accused him of exploiting border issues to stir nationalist sentiments, saying that among those speaking, only 'Professor Chen' (Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate) tries to present policies to the public, along with some other candidates. He sees no real substance in Nattawut’s remarks, comparing it to a performer in traditional Thai folk theater (likay) who 'calls the audience' before the show. Sometimes, when a performance stalls abroad, the clown is brought out first. Thinking this way, there’s no need for anger or resentment; everyone just does their work.
Regarding Nattawut’s claim that Anutin said he is not 'Uncle’s nephew' and that this was very cool, Mr. Anutin immediately replied, “Oh, very cool,” then laughed and added, “In this era, fortunately I’m not. If I were, it might bring much shame. It’s good I’m not. He is correct; thank you very much.”
At 6:00 p.m. at the Naka Open Field by the Mekong River in Phon Phisai Municipality, Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai Province, Mr. Anutin took the stage to campaign for all three Bhumjaithai MP candidates. He said that in the last election, he had the chance to come here, but Bhumjaithai’s candidate failed. He asked, “Will this time be different?” The crowd responded, “No.” He replied, “No worries, it’s okay.” He urged voters to choose three candidates this time to improve Nong Khai’s economy and quality of life, emphasizing the need to vote for number 37 to elect Anutin.
He recalled that in the last election, Ms. Jidapha was bitter, and this time he asked that people not force them to throw bitterness into the Mekong River. For this election in Nong Khai, Bhumjaithai offers a package of three candidates. Unlike 4-5 years ago, when promising to be prime minister seemed distant, now he is prime minister and meets people accordingly. He is not selling dreams but delivering results. Although the party was not given a chance before, he has not forgotten Nong Khai. In just over two months as prime minister, he has already benefited the people significantly. He promises that if given another four years, he will work until people say they are rich enough. He asks for trust that he can do it and that with these three representatives elected, nothing will stop their dedication to serve Nong Khai people.
Mr. Anutin continued that there will be no further confrontations with Cambodia. He has been told by many to take action immediately, but he said they already have, regaining sovereignty. As prime minister, he cannot speak harshly to maintain Thailand’s dignity. However, he confirmed Thailand’s honor is intact, showing how strong the military is. They have recovered losses that had been awaited for over 10 years in just two months. There is no need for compromise or fear of anyone. He fears Thai citizens more than Cambodian leaders and will do everything for Thai interests with no alternative.
“Those who say I’m using this issue for campaigning are wrong. I act first, then speak. I have discussed with the military and completed the process before informing the Thai people. Don’t worry, whatever happens, if it happens again, there will be a heavier lesson. I assure you, the border checkpoint will not open.” He concluded by saying he speaks what he does and does what he believes, highlighting Bhumjaithai’s policy: “Anutin comes here, speaks and acts for sure, no need to worry.”
