The Rak Chart Party laid flowers to honor veterans and issued a statement asserting that patriotism is not just rhetoric. The party criticized other political parties for infighting and warned that "U.S. imperialism" could consume Thailand.
On 31 January 2026 at 08:00, Chaiwat Thanakmanusorn, party leader and prime ministerial candidate, along with Professor Dr. Jes Tonawanik, another prime ministerial candidate, and Ekpita Iamkong-ek, economic policy advisor and number 2 on the party list, led the Rak Chart Party delegation—including Chanin Pinthong, party director (number 3 on the list), and Rawee Laopoonrungsee, deputy party leader (number 7 on the list)—to lay flowers and observe a moment of silence at Victory Monument, Bangkok, in solemn remembrance of the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives and blood to defend the nation from war. This event was held ahead of Veterans Day on 3 February. While the Rak Chart team was laying flowers, a group of supporters driving by the Victory Monument roundabout lowered their car windows to greet and cheer on the Rak Chart Party team. Meanwhile, military personnel were actively preparing the area to host the upcoming Veterans Day events.
Professor Dr. Jes Tonawanik spoke about the global situation and rival political parties, stating that Thailand is heading toward disaster from threats posed by imperialism and groups aiming to overthrow the monarchy. The silent threat advancing is imperialism led by the United States, starting with economic warfare and tariffs, now escalating to territorial aggression, marked by a significant diplomatic blow: "Cambodia has joined the United States on the Peace Committee."
The advance of imperialism led by the United States, and the establishment of a Peace Committee, often occurs in historical contexts preceding world wars, where neighboring countries are drawn in. Today, Cambodia has joined the United States on the Peace Committee, and bombings have occurred in Thailand. Whether due to military discipline issues or accidental mistakes is unknown, but it must be considered intentional.
Because Cambodia has begun this, and the United States is encouraging it, these influences have reached Thailand. The conflict is not fought in election arenas but from Cambodia, border areas, and the United States, starting under the guise of elections without our awareness," Professor Dr. Jes Tonawanik said, warning that this battle is not fought inside polling stations but comes from borders and major powers intent on trampling Thailand.
"Today, when people speak divisively, if your group admits you want to overthrow the monarchy, the Rak Chart Party will gladly admit that we support the monarchy to protect it." He added that if opponents stubbornly cling to destructive ideologies, the Rak Chart Party is prepared to fight to the end to prevent national ruin.
He concluded by urging Thai people to be mindful, comparing the current situation to the fall of Ayutthaya, emphasizing that past destruction arose from internal disunity. Today, major political parties are repeating this behavior by creating division for their own benefit.
"Stop being victims of incitement! Unity is the only way out. Rak Chart Party does not invite people to take sides but calls for united strength to resist threats before Thailand is destroyed by external wars and internal strife."
Meanwhile, Ekpita Iamkong-ek commented on the country's economic issues, saying that although things may seem calm externally, there are worrying "warning signs," especially the recent designation by the United States of Thailand as a country to watch for currency manipulation. The current situation is not the time for political conflict, even during a caretaker government. Economic problems are urgent and require unity from all sectors to find solutions for the Thai people.
"Just yesterday, there was a signal that Thailand has been placed on the currency manipulation watchlist. Even though this is only monitoring, and similar incidents have happened before, it is abnormal. Why? Because several issues have occurred earlier, including visa watchlist concerns. Therefore, I believe we should stop fighting and unite. Don't think that because there is only a caretaker government, things can be neglected. Let's focus on big issues: how we will solve economic problems for our fellow Thais."
Chaiwat Thanakmanusorn, Rak Chart Party leader, questioned rival parties that use "patriotism" as political rhetoric during campaigns. He warned the public not to be deceived by groups exploiting patriotism to divide people or merely seeking benefits in forming governments. He noted that current movements are causing instability and division, and the party intends to confront these with genuine love and unity, not just political image-building.
"It's not rhetoric used for campaigning, dividing sides, or attacking each other — this is patriotism, that is not patriotism. Don't choose based on that. That is not our concept. We do not want to create such political division. Ultimately, parties that talk this way will form coalitions once their interests align. They are not truly in conflict; it is not ideology. But for us at Rak Chart, it is ideology."
"Friends, we created the Rak Chart Party as an ideology. We did not create it to be political rhetoric."