Anutin appeals to the people of Phetchabun to support Bhumjaithai Party throughout the province. He boasts of strong public response and aims for the highest number of parliamentary seats, while respecting the people's right to decide. He also retorts to Natthawut, questioning who truly lacks patriotism, accusing him of inciting people to burn homes and cities.
On 29 January 2026, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and prime ministerial candidate, along with Mr. Santi Promphat, Mr. Patthana Promphat, and Mr. Worachok Sukonkachorn, visited Lom Sak District in Phetchabun Province to support candidate Mr. Yupharat Buain in constituency 2. At 7 p.m., Anutin arrived at a grand rally held at the Lom Sak District Office plaza, attended by several thousand people.
Anutin said, "Phetchabun, the city of sweet tamarinds, whenever I come here, I always receive tamarinds from the local people to take home, easing my hunger and fatigue. But sweeter than tamarinds are the people of Phetchabun. Some arrived late at the rally because they walked a kilometer, and along the way, locals welcomed them by offering corn, noodles, sticky rice treats, coffee, and ice cream. Today, I have to get a blood test when I return home and have a doctor appointment tomorrow, but that’s not a problem. And to the family members who prepared these treats, don’t worry, I’ll come down to receive them myself because I have trouble concentrating." "I never remember who has wronged me, but I never forget those who have done me good, who support me, and who vote for me."
Today, I met friends from my overseas studies, which made me feel connected to this place. I also know Mr. Santi Promphat for over 10 years, who has always been kind to me. Whenever I face difficulties, he gives me opportunities and help. I also met Mrs. Wanphen, Mr. Santi’s wife, in parliament, who, along with her husband, has shown me kindness. It feels warm, like talking to my parents, providing a sense of safety and comfort without political conflict, as experienced political experts are always advising me.
This time, I ask the people of Phetchabun to help elect representatives from the Bhumjaithai Party across the entire province. There is a bonus minister, Mr. Santi Promphat, who is the party list candidate ranked fourth. Additionally, the bonus includes having me involved as well. Phetchabun is a fascinating tourist destination with much potential for development. Its residents will have opportunities to generate income, create jobs, and invest in accommodations to welcome many tourists, along with agriculture.
Anutin continued, "In just over two months of dealing with foreign issues, we managed to gradually raise prices of the country's main products. We took decisive action by closing the Thailand-Cambodia border checkpoint to stop cross-border trade. This move was very beneficial, preventing illegal rice, cassava, and drugs from entering the country. Therefore, everyone should not worry until Thailand secures its sovereignty and confidence that there will be no threats from neighboring countries. We will never reopen the checkpoint unless we are sure no one dares to challenge Thailand again. Please be confident that if the Bhumjaithai Party returns to government and I become the prime minister, I will never allow our country to be disrespected. The dignity of our people and Thai identity will always be upheld," before discussing the party's various policies.
He then appealed for votes, saying, "Bhumjaithai understands the hearts of the people of Phetchabun and the whole country better because we have consistently worked directly on the ground. We don't follow orders from anyone or try to please those in higher power because, in administration, no one is above the prime minister. We listen only to the people. Whenever the people speak, I respect it. Just like in the war with Cambodia: when the people said fight, I fought; when they said close the checkpoint, I closed it; when they said advance, I advanced. The people never told me to retreat, so I won. I always listen closely to the people. Therefore, if Mr. Yupharat Buain becomes an MP, I guarantee there will be no flooding in Lom Sak. I want to entrust my heart to the people of Phetchabun and ask to serve the country again."
Later, Anutin was interviewed about the response in Phetchabun. He said many locals warmly welcomed him, not only during the rally but also when he walked through the streets and markets in Lom Sak District. When asked if such support indicates a high number of votes for the party list MPs, he said he always has high expectations but will not interfere with the people's decision. He hopes the party's policy proposals and the quality of its candidates will earn voters’ trust to govern the country.
Regarding the case where Mr. Witai Ratanakorn, governor of the Bank of Thailand, revealed that over 450 million baht in cash withdrawals occurred, Anutin said thorough action is necessary. The governor has reported that if there are abnormal transactions, the Bank of Thailand will closely monitor and notify the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Election Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission accordingly.
When asked if such large cash withdrawals or vote-buying are happening within Bhumjaithai, Anutin replied he has never seen these problems in the party. If candidates could buy votes, the party leader would not have to campaign daily across provinces like this. On the issue of parties exchanging mudslinging during campaigns and whether they can cooperate in forming government, Anutin said he has never insulted or mudslinged anyone. Whether cooperation happens depends on those who insult others.
Asked about Democrat Party leader Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva campaigning closely behind in every province, including Surat Thani and Ayutthaya, and how Bhumjaithai plans to respond, Anutin said it is normal. The public should know and listen to each party’s proposals. It shows that every party leader values and respects the people by visiting areas in person. When pressed if this situation worries him, Anutin quickly responded, "Only Sister Paew," while pulling in Mrs. Wanphen Promphat, Bhumjaithai candidate for Phetchabun and wife of Mr. Santi, to join the interview.
On the issue where Mr. Natthawut Saiyako, an election assistant for the Pheu Thai Party, told Bhumjaithai not to use 'love the nation, hate the nation' rhetoric to gain popularity, Anutin said he agrees. He said this is the hundredth time he has stated that if Bhumjaithai does not love the nation, then who would they support? There is nothing strange about that. "He is right about everything. He said I am not respectable because I am not 'Uncle's nephew.' I replied that is correct because I have never thought of being anyone's nephew, nor do I want to be. The same goes for nationalism. This is the Bhumjaithai Party, not the 'Proud of Foreign Countries Party.' We must love, admire, and be proud of our nation. Those who do not love the country often say things like this."
When asked about Natthawut's counter-question about what kind of patriotism allows taking control of the Senate and having it as their own, Anutin replied that speaking further might risk legal action. He said there is a Thai saying meaning 'If you have a mouth, don’t behave as if you have something else,' implying such behavior is inappropriate. He added that this has always been the case.
"Who truly does not love the nation and incites people to burn homes and cities? It’s definitely not us. I am a person who protects against and despises such things. Enough already. In just over a week, we will focus on pushing policies and helping the public understand your party's proposals and how people will be treated—not deceived or treated ceremonially. As for love or lack of love for the nation, it’s clear who belongs to which side. We have no factions; we have only the people. I have no opponents, only fellow Thais, only Thailand's side."
"I am proud to be Thai, proud to be a source of pride for the people. Proud that we made enemies retreat and return to their own lands, signing agreements not to threaten Thailand anymore. That is true patriotism, something I can say with pride. Whether I am prime minister or not, old or elderly, I will tell my children and grandchildren this story with pride."
