Yotchanan is pleased with the polls despite trailing but gaining points. Julpanun remarked that those who don't choose us will surely come, but they've already gone astray. He hinted at plans to reveal 10 politicians during the election period, remains unshaken by the 'Uncle' issue, and confirmed Ink's intent to prevent clashes.
At 11:50 a.m. on 30 Jan 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Yotchanan Wongsawat, Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate, gave an interview at Maejo University, Chiang Mai, regarding the polls from various agencies showing Pheu Thai still trailing. Asked how the party plans to boost its score in the final stretch, he said the polls use scientific sampling. It's unlikely that a party with low scores would suddenly gain a lot, but there is a 3% increase in some groups, which is encouraging. On the other hand, polls where the party scored high confirm that their approach is correct. This week is the last week for polls before seven days of truth, when everyone will see how much support they have from field visits. He said they are on the right track, with clear communication of policies that the public can understand and inquire about.
Regarding reports of parties taking sides to divide the public in the final stretch, Mr. Yotchanan said the role of political parties is to advance the country, and the people will decide.
A reporter asked about the recent rhetoric dividing people into patriots versus non-patriots and Pheu Thai's perspective. Mr. Julpanun Amornwiwat, party leader and Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate, said this tactic has been seen many times, dividing the public. We've seen the 'angel' and 'demon' parties used to split voters, which contradicts the current situation. From polls after Mr. Yotchanan's debut just over 20 days ago, he has ranked in the top three almost everywhere. This competition gives us a high chance to win the election.
Mr. Julpanun continued that some parties claim the choice is between two parties, which limits and disrespects voters. Another party uses the term 'patriotism,' which is inappropriate, especially amid current border incidents. All parties and Thai people stand united on border issues. Pheu Thai has never denied government efforts and fully supports the government of Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on border matters. National unity is essential.
He said, “Saying ‘if you don’t choose us, they will surely come’ but they've already gone astray. If elected, Pheu Thai will ensure justice and move forward with the case thoroughly. We will be fair to all sides, as the Constitutional Court has already ruled on the ‘Khao Kradong’ case, and we will follow it to completion.”
Asked if a Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai alliance would affect the Khao Kradong issue, Mr. Julpanun replied that during a debate, the People's Party leader asked him about handling this. He said there are no restrictions, and they have proven concern over the case. He worries even more than others about the Khao Kradong and Senate vote-rigging cases. The MOA authorized Anutin’s government, and now the Khao Kradong case has disappeared, the Senate vote-rigging case has gone silent, while many MPs have legal cases—mostly those competing with Bhumjaithai. This raises doubts about justice and fairness.
Pheu Thai has demonstrated independence even when in coalition, allowing state agencies to operate freely. The Constitutional Court ruled that former Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and former Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong did not interfere and followed normal procedures. Having proven this, in the next government, regardless of coalition, we will continue to scrutinize irregularities fully.
Regarding plans to reveal politicians involved in scams, Mr. Julpanun said Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol Navarat knows the law well and stated that premature disclosure could lead to imprisonment. Yet, an unrelated minister has publicly misled society, which is abnormal. Lately, the 'blue party' seems unusually spotless compared to others, a point noticed by all parties. Regarding legal cases, Pheu Thai strictly abides by the law. The 'orange party' has had two members affected, but we never comment. What matters is building mechanisms, not making stage statements or claiming superiority. Today, Pheu Thai proposes a digital government to oversee and control corruption.
Asked if revealing names now creates electoral advantages or disadvantages, Mr. Julpanun said all parties question whether state mechanisms are being used to prosecute cases before voting.
Regarding whether the ‘Uncle’ video clip would affect Pheu Thai, Mr. Julpanun said, “No, it is good because it allows us to clarify. We affirm that on that day, former Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s intent was to end violence and prevent clashes and fatalities.”
A reporter asked about campaigning in the southern Isaan border area and any concerns. Mr. Yotchanan said when communicating with people, they have visited northern Isaan and will go to central and southern Isaan. They clearly communicate with the public, and the news does not match their actions. They try to protect the area and sovereignty. The public understands, which gives confidence that positive change is underway, and Pheu Thai is ready for the election.
Regarding the Bank of Thailand’s report of large withdrawals of 100 and 500 baht notes, asked about Pheu Thai’s stance on preventing vote-buying, Mr. Yotchanan said the party has a monitoring team closely tracking this and urges the Election Commission to be vigilant, as the people's vote is crucial to moving the country forward.
Asked about concerns over abuse of state power, Mr. Julpanun said such events have occurred. He warned before Anutin’s government formed that large civil servant transfers would happen in preparation for elections—and they did. Even during the election period, there are irregular transfers, especially in the Interior Ministry, off-season and unusually large. In his 20-30 years in politics, he has never seen such abnormal transfers. This requires investigation. There are talks of promises of promotions based on election results, which is worrisome.
However, Pheu Thai is not afraid, having experienced many elections and obstacles like this, including post-coup elections where state power clashed with Pheu Thai. Their only support is the people, and this time is no different. They firmly believe the public will support and lead them forward.