Anutin Charnvirakul and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit shook hands and greeted each other while campaigning at Chao Phrom Market in Ayutthaya before parting ways. Meanwhile, vendors said they would support Bhumjaithai, and a watch repairman told “Sia Nu” he was fortunate and sure to continue as prime minister.
On 28 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, visited Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province to support Bhumjaithai candidates campaigning for the House of Representatives seats in Ayutthaya. The candidates included Mr. Songpon Suksomboon (District 1, No. 6), Mr. Nop Cheewanan (District 2, No. 7), Ms. Pimprida Tanjararuk (District 3, No. 5), Mr. Kongkrit Ramsak (District 4, No. 4), and Mr. Pradit Sangkhajai (District 5, No. 7). Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakun, a party list candidate and local resident, and Ms. Somsong Pancharoenworakun also joined the campaign.
Anutin first arrived at Chao Phrom Market to begin auspiciously by paying respects at the shrine of the Great Brahma, the sacred guardian of the market. He then campaigned for the District 1 candidate amid many vendors and citizens asking to take photos. Some villagers approached to voice support, especially after Mr. Chaichanak Chidchop announced opposition to casinos in parliament. Anutin responded that their party was already against casinos. Meanwhile, Mr. Surasak invited Anutin to change his amulet necklace. Anutin took out a Suphanburi powder amulet, examined the frame and chain, but was not yet satisfied.
Anutin met a watch vendor who asked if he was the real person, then shook his hand and told him to be straightforward. Anutin replied that he was already straightforward. The watch vendor said it was not about watches but about being honest. Anutin reaffirmed, “Definitely honest.” The watch vendor then bumped fists and wished him to become prime minister again, saying it was destined and not ordinary.
Vendors complained to Anutin that Chao Phrom Market was the most run-down and dirty market in Thailand and asked for help to improve it. Anutin nodded in agreement. Another vendor asked if burning rice fields caused pollution reaching Bangkok. Anutin admitted it did and was illegal. The vendor then asked about pollution from power plants and factories. Anutin explained that pollution filters were in place. At one point, a shopper shouted to Anutin to keep walking like this if elected.
Reporters noted that while walking in Chao Phrom Market, Anutin encountered Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Progressive Movement and election assistant for the People’s Party. Upon meeting, Anutin waved, then they greeted each other with a wai and handshake. Similarly, the District 1 candidates from both parties, Mr. Songpon and Mr. Tawiwong Totawiwong (People’s Party), also shook hands and greeted each other.
Thanathorn asked Anutin, “Are you going this way? So I can go that way,” pointing. Anutin replied, “Oh.. which way should we go so we don’t bump into each other?” He then tapped Thanathorn on the shoulder and they parted ways.
When reporters asked Anutin about meeting Thanathorn, he said they separated into different zones to avoid overlapping voices. Later, a motorcycle taxi driver gave Anutin bananas, saying it would bring him ease in whatever he did. Anutin accepted and peeled a banana to eat immediately. He then rode a tuk-tuk with an open roof to campaign along various routes in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.