Yoschanan calls on Phayao voters to choose Pheu Thai amid fierce competition, confident of winning three constituencies. He dismisses Anutin’s reference to Paethongtarn, leaving judgment to the people. Nattawut criticizes the Prime Minister for exploiting nationalism to gain votes and create division in the country.
On 31 Jan 2026 at 10:15 a.m. at Ban Mo Market, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province, Mr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, a prime ministerial candidate, campaigned to support Mr. Wichai Chaimongkol, candidate for Phayao MP constituency 1, number 5; Mr. Kasian Srichan, candidate for constituency 2, number 3; and Mr. Amnat Wichai, candidate for constituency 3, number 3. Also present was Mr. Wisut Chaiyanarun, party-list candidate. The venue was filled with people listening to the speeches. Yoschanan said he is a northerner and asked whether people want a prime minister from the north. He emphasized seeking support from the people of Phayao, where competition is intense. He urged support for Pheu Thai candidates, highlighting their vision of making Phayao a livable city with a creative economy. Choosing Pheu Thai means better quality of life, starting with living without fear. He recalled the Thai Rak Thai party and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, noting their fight against drug trafficking linked to scammers and shadow capital that keeps people fearful. Thus, the shadow capital must be eliminated. He stressed the importance of honesty and anti-corruption in Thailand today and the urgent need to address all debt, especially informal debt, so people can live without fear.
Nattawut slams Anutin for exploiting nationalism to win votes and create division.
Mr. Nattawut Saiyaku, Pheu Thai campaign assistant, said in a speech that voters should cast two ballots for Pheu Thai. Some hesitate to vote for Pheu Thai out of respect for 'Phu Kong' (an ambiguous term possibly meaning a local leader or authority figure). He said there is no need for such hesitation as he himself has been imprisoned three times and is unafraid. Watching the news last night, he saw the Blue Party led by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, campaigning at Lumphini Park. Recently, the PM’s campaign approach seems unusual: he claims to be the only party that loves the nation and labels other parties as unpatriotic, without specifying which. Nattawut strongly disagrees, stating that political parties are not formed out of hatred for the country. The PM even disparaged Pheu Thai, saying he doesn’t have to listen to 'Uncle' or even 'Daddy' in Thailand. This was a jab at Pheu Thai and at Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, former PM, and Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, former PM, who confirmed that Thaksin is in prison and not involved in this election. This kind of rhetoric only intensifies the plight of those incarcerated.
Mr. Nattawut added, “I don’t know if Anutin listens to ‘Daddy’ but I know he listens only to the ‘Head Teacher.’ He is a ‘student’ of the Head Teacher, even his household registration is at the Head Teacher’s house in Khao Kradong, known throughout Thailand. The PM must keep a clear mind about national and territorial issues. Thai people must be united. It is unacceptable to create division to win votes by pushing fellow Thais away and treating them as foreigners or outsiders.”
Nattawut further said that when Pheu Thai was in government, it did its best to protect national sovereignty. If Anutin becomes PM, Pheu Thai will support him. However, this style of campaigning focuses only on political gain in elections while sowing division in society and the nation.
Questioned about whether the Khmer party is allied to help 'Noo' (a nickname) gain votes.
Nattawut responded that claims about voting for the two parties, red and orange, being like Cambodia’s choice are untrue. He said he does not know if that neighboring country’s minister intended to ally with Anutin for votes. Pheu Thai walks with the people, proven by its 20 years of policies and achievements despite challenges. He refrained from commenting further, recalling that early on, the neighboring country's leader said the Thai government would change within three months, and indeed Noo’s government took power in that time. He avoided fueling national conflict, urging Thai people to unite on issues of land and sovereignty rather than chasing votes.
Yoschanan acknowledges intense competition in Phayao but confident Pheu Thai will secure three constituencies.
Later, Yoschanan was interviewed about campaigning in Phayao, where competition is fierce, and whether Pheu Thai can penetrate the area. He said there is a very high chance, judging by the policies delivered, field visits, and candidates campaigning. The response has been very positive and beyond expectations, boosting confidence for both the candidates and the party. At every rally, candidates effectively communicated the party’s policies, increasing confidence in securing trust in all three constituencies.
Regarding earlier claims that all village chiefs and headmen belong to the opposing side and whether this is an abuse of state power, Yoschanan said no one owns the voter base; the important base is the people. Today, Pheu Thai communicates directly with the public without intermediaries. The policies on combating drugs, scammers, and online gambling have been well received by the people. Given the multiple threats, people want Pheu Thai to manage these issues, as the party has prior experience.
Candidate for prime minister calls for constructive campaigning.
Asked how they will monitor the use of state officials, Yoschanan said Pheu Thai will pay special attention to ensure the election is transparent.
Regarding negative campaigning and forcing people to choose sides, Yoschanan said he believes the public can see through it. Campaigning should be about delivering policies. This principle has always been upheld. When people come, they want to hear how their quality of life will improve. He strives to communicate policies at the constituency and district levels and urges all parties to focus on such matters.
Dismisses Anutin’s reference to Paethongtarn, leaving judgment to the public.
Regarding Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul's nationalist campaign that included mention of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, former prime minister, Yoschanan believes the public understands the nature of each prime ministerial candidate’s speeches.
When asked if such speeches will affect voters' decisions, Yoschanan said that if people compare the campaigns, they will understand.
