“Anutin” campaigns in Samut Prakan where a vendor demands 2,400 baht, boasting, “I’ve been leading in polls all along.” He questioned who said the race with the Prachachon party was close, firmly stating he is not interfering in the Khao Kradong case, does not know the State Railway governor, and is not stalling the investigation. He retorted that Natthawut’s comments are just political theater behind the scenes after claiming to listen only to the head teacher.
At 11:00 on 31 Jan 2026, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, visited Bang Nam Phueng Market to support the party’s eight Samut Prakan parliamentary candidates campaigning in districts 1 through 8: Ms. Praewpan Pukpiboon (District 1), Mr. Nok Khao Thoomklad (District 2), Ms. Apatsanan Paknarathonseth (District 3), Ms. Pimphan Phuengboon (District 4), Ms. Yukolchat Lamwanna (District 5), Mr. Thapakon Kullacharoen (District 6), Ms. Phailin Thiansuwan (District 7), and Mr. Wiboonchai Khaothongborisut (District 8).
Upon arrival, the abbot of Bang Nam Phueng Nai Temple presented Anutin with a replica statue of Luang Pho Yai. Anutin then paid respects to the deity Thao Wessuwan before entering the market to meet vendors and shoppers. Many asked to take photos, and most vendors inquired about the “Khon La Khrueng” (Half-Half) subsidy program, expressing hope it would continue. Some even said they preferred the 2,400 baht subsidy over the 10,000 baht amount, to which Anutin replied, “It’s simple. If we form the government, this program will definitely return.” Additionally, a vendor wished Anutin to become prime minister again for the people’s benefit, and he smiled in response. During the walk, a citizen urged Anutin not to open toll gates, and he reaffirmed they will remain closed.
Anutin sampled food from several vendors and purchased goods at Bang Nam Phueng Market. At one point, a vendor selling bilimbi fruit asked if he was tired, and Anutin replied he was not tired but a bit sleepy due to little rest. The vendor offered some bilimbi to help him stay awake. The atmosphere was lively and cheerful.
He affirmed that his speeches on Article 112 are not intended to attack anyone.
Anutin commented on the intense final campaign rally in Bangkok the previous night, saying it was a normal major rally. Bhumjaithai plans to hold similar events in other provinces to establish their presence, not only in Bangkok.
When asked about strategies in major cities that were once strongholds of the Prachachon party, Anutin said the approach is “organic” — directly engaging with citizens, listening to their problems and needs during the campaign.
Asked if he was confident that the nationwide “blue campaign” would lead to victory, Anutin said all Bhumjaithai candidates are dedicated and hardworking. When questioned about the previous day’s speech criticizing parties seeking to amend Article 112, he immediately replied that he was not attacking anyone.
When asked if forming alliances would be difficult, Anutin said it should not be a problem and that cooperation does not depend solely on alliances; each must explain matters clearly to the public.
On the Khao Kradong issue, he reaffirmed no interference, no acquaintance with the State Railway governor, and no stalling of the case.
Asked if the final campaign would be fierce due to attempts to revive the Khao Kradong issue, Anutin said everything follows legal procedures. Claims about when assets were seized are incorrect; only lawful actions to pursue prosecution have been taken with no interference. He added he does not even know the current State Railway governor.
“That day, a major blunder was made suggesting the governor should resign, even though no governor was appointed yet. I consider this political rhetoric. Those who think this is a weak point are mistaken. Everything proceeds legally. We act according to the law. If wrongdoing is proven, no one is exempt, regardless of kinship or party affiliation. This has been shown repeatedly. I affirm we are not delaying the case. I have instructed to blacklist substandard companies and monitor the situation daily. We are accelerating, not stalling.”
He ridiculed Natthawut’s remarks as mere political theater behind the scenes and insisted his economic team is composed of honest individuals.
Regarding Mr. Natthawut Saiyako, a campaign assistant for the Pheu Thai Party, who accused him of national misappropriation and mocked that Anutin listens only to the “head teacher,” Anutin asked what “national misappropriation” meant, then laughed, calling it mere rhetoric. He added that those who incite people to burn homes and cities cannot claim to be responsible, otherwise they wouldn’t still be on the campaign stage.
When asked about Natthawut’s jab that Anutin listens only to the head teacher, Anutin said Natthawut is truly an outsider who knows nothing. A prime minister listens to many people, not just a select few.
Asked if he was concerned that bringing in economic team members might lead to discrediting attacks or discomfort, Anutin exclaimed “Ouch!” before affirming that everyone on the team is clean.
“Supajee Ekniti and Atthapol always do good wherever they go. Those who try to attack them show they are out of options. They do good for the people and society and speak only facts on stage, not creating political theater as some comical backstage act. That is unacceptable.”
When asked if mentioning “Daddy” touched a sensitive nerve, Anutin asked what “sensitive nerve” means. He explained that each party has its own culture. Others expect everyone to be like their party, but his party doesn’t need to please anyone. Those seeking appointments and positions have a different culture, but his party works hard regardless of position.
Regarding Captain Thammanat Prompao, advisor to the Kla Party chairman, who mentioned that Anutin was once offered the Defense Ministry during government formation, Anutin said it depends on the circumstances at the time. Captain Thammanat himself opted to pursue the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security rather than Tourism and Sports, which was reported incorrectly as it was agreed from the start. Ultimately, Social Development suited him better due to personnel and his wish to continue working in the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry. Political negotiations require multiple discussions, like when Anutin was expected to be Interior Minister but ended up with Education Ministry before finally settling on Interior Ministry. This is normal and not surprising.
Anutin said he has held several ministerial posts and if Bhumjaithai returns to government, he does not care which ministry he would lead. He just wants the election to pass first and does not yet know the outcome.
Asked if the race is tight with the Prachachon party and if efforts must increase in the final stretch, Anutin replied,
“Who says it’s close? My polls show me leading consistently, based on multiple sources.” When asked what numbers he estimates, Anutin did not answer but teased the reporters, asking if they were out of the loop and suggested they ask other parties.
