Phiphat expressed frustration at those complaining that the government has not provided flood relief in the south. He questioned who is at fault, noting that the Election Commission did not approve the budget. He criticized those using the phrase “inheritance from elders” as rhetoric, questioning what they have been doing over the years. He affirmed that Disneyland Thailand has been planned for a long time and is not an idea created during the campaign.
On 3 February 2026 at 13:45 in Surat Thani province, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, southern leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, along with Mr. Pichai Chomphupol, or Kamnan Chai, candidate for Surat Thani constituency 6 from the Bhumjaithai Party, visited local residents at the Bhumjaithai Party coordination center for constituency 6 in Surat Thani to campaign and seek votes for the candidate.
Mr. Phiphat said that this election came earlier than usual due to a political accident involving a change of prime minister related to remarks about “Uncle’s nephew, just say what you want.” This led to the formation of a new government, with the People’s Party supporting the Bhumjaithai Party, and Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, party leader, becoming prime minister. However, there is an agreement to amend the constitution. He emphasized that Bhumjaithai has not wavered on constitutional amendments and asked supporters to continue voting for them and not to abandon the party.
Regarding criticism that Mr. Anutin dissolved the parliament to evade issues, he explained that the dissolution was because of a minority government. They would have lost a no-confidence vote anyway, which would have required choosing a new prime minister—the same person who lost the previous vote against Mr. Anutin. He therefore sees the dissolution as the prime minister exercising democratic authority by allowing the people to decide.
Mr. Phiphat emphasized that if entrusted by voters in the 14 southern provinces, but still unable to implement campaign policies, next time people should not vote for even a single seat. This is a deliberate rule and test. He urged voters not to be concerned about anyone’s presence if they are not honest enough to admit failure and instead keep asking for more chances.
“Whatever the case, give only one chance. It is not right to keep asking for opportunities again and again. If this continues, it becomes the ‘inheritance from elders.’ They have been given office for 20, 30, 40 years but did nothing. Now they have retreated, so why do they come back to claim it?”
He also spoke about Mr. Anutin becoming prime minister, saying he can work with the military and understands the leaders’ stance that the land taken 40 years ago must be reclaimed, with no retreat or ceasefire. This proves how the work is progressing. Regarding rumors that there will be no election on 8 February, he said these are efforts by people stirring trouble to provoke neighboring countries into conflict to prevent elections in Thailand.
Regarding the issue of flood relief funds not being paid, Mr. Phiphat said people should look back at those who had problems receiving 9,000 baht and those who have not had their houses repaired with the 49,500 baht fund. The government has approved this, and it has been brought twice to the cabinet. He also addressed the Election Commission (EC), which today has only refused to approve the budget for flood relief. He asked critics to consider whether this fault lies with the government or the EC.
“Some say the EC belongs to the Bhumjaithai Party, but if that’s true, why did the EC not approve flood relief for the Anutin government? Today I ask everyone to know that we have done everything, but it is blocked because the EC has not approved it. If the EC really belonged to Bhumjaithai, they would have approved it two weeks ago.”
Confirmed Disneyland Thailand was planned long ago, not an election gimmick.
Mr. Phiphat also commented on criticism that bringing Disneyland Thailand to operate here might be impossible. He explained that Thailand still lacks a man-made tourist destination to attract visitors, relying mostly on natural attractions for income. This contrasts with neighboring countries, especially Singapore, which, despite limited space and resources, has created man-made attractions that draw tourists and generate huge revenue. He said that if Disneyland could invest in Thailand, it would become the first Disneyland in ASEAN.
Mr. Phiphat affirmed that he did not conceive this idea during the campaign but has thought about it since he was Minister of Tourism and Sports. When he became Minister of Transport, he pushed the project forward. He said 5,000 rai of land in the EEC has been prepared for development, including 3,000 rai for Disneyland, an 80,000-seat indoor stadium, a 5,000-seat conference hall, and a shopping mall. If he returns to his former position, he will definitely advance this project. He is confident a good project will attract investors, without involving casinos. Currently, Thai and Middle Eastern investors have shown interest. He confirmed the government will not invest but only facilitate land matters. The project is still in the initial draft stage.
Not worried about Democrat Party using the phrase “inheritance from elders” to reclaim 14 southern provinces.
Mr. Phiphat also spoke about the overall campaign in the final stretch before the 8 February election, saying that after visiting all 14 southern provinces, the Bhumjaithai Party still aims to win no fewer than 31 seats. He asked voters to support candidate number 37, representing Bhumjaithai.
“Brothers and sisters in the 14 southern provinces must help bring as many Bhumjaithai MPs into parliament as possible. Former MPs must strive to return to parliament, and we hope that new generations who share Bhumjaithai’s ideals will join to strengthen the rest. This is the intention of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party,” Mr. Phiphat said.
Retorting to reflect on past performance as the number of MPs dwindles.
When asked if he was concerned about the momentum since the Democrat Party has campaigned on flood relief, Mr. Phiphat said that it’s not only the Democrat Party generating momentum. He noted that in the 14 southern provinces, which were once dominated by the blue party, their popularity has declined over the last two elections, and their number of MPs has steadily decreased. In the past, out of 55 constituencies in the south, they won 54. He questioned why voters are now turning away from them and said the blue party must reflect on itself. Previously, they could mark territory by installing electric poles, but now despite efforts to nominate representatives in each province, their number of MPs continues to decline.