Apisit rallied the people of Trang to overthrow shadow capital and advance honest politics, holding up Chuan as a model for combating political business. Meanwhile, Juree stressed the duty of Trang residents to defend the Democrat Party’s stronghold and prevent further fragmentation.
On 3 Feb 2026 at 11:00 a.m., Apisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, visited the Yan Ta Khao Market in Yan Ta Khao District, Trang Province, to campaign for candidates Kan Tangpong (House of Representatives candidate for Trang District 4, number 2) and Kritich Pakichan (candidate for Trang District 3, number 5). Apisit expressed gratitude for the overwhelming welcome, noting that people may feel frustrated with politics where some parties are dominated by capital, vested interests, and power. He reiterated the dangers of political business involving shadow capital derived from corruption and illegal funds. He said society increasingly suspects that shadow capital is taking over politics, citing frightening figures quoted when he reentered politics, such as 30, 50, 70 million baht per MP. Imagining one MP costing 50 million baht, 400 MPs in a party, or across two or three parties, he questioned where such money comes from if not illegal or stolen from the people. He asked if people are willing to endure this and emphasized the need to restore politics to serve all citizens.
Highlighting Chuan as a model for combating political business, while acknowledging criticisms that he is like a "broken record."
At 2:30 p.m., Apisit’s team arrived at Sri Ubon Market in Huai Yot District, Trang, to support Duangruthai Buakaew, candidate for Trang District 2, number 1. Apisit rode a green tuk-tuk symbolizing Trang, driven by party deputy leader Satit Wongnongtoey, drawing attention and enthusiasm from waiting residents who showered him with flowers and tied many traditional white scarves.
Apisit gave a brief speech outside the market, recalling that over the past 30 years, the person fighting vote-buying and political business was Chuan Lekhaphai. Despite being mocked as a "broken record," Chuan has long warned of the dangers of political business. Shortly before the parliament was dissolved, leading business organizations, including the Federation of Industries and the Chamber of Commerce, submitted a letter stating they would no longer tolerate corruption, which hinders business progress. The Thai economy has grown slowly for years, and trade has been difficult. Continuing this way is untenable. Politics must return to honesty, with professionals managing economic recovery sustainably. The Democrat Party intends to achieve sustainable economic growth and calls for everyone’s support. Afterwards, Apisit and his team proceeded to campaign in Phatthalung and planned to return for a major rally in Trang in the evening.
Vowing to transform Phatthalung from a World Heritage city to a green economy hub.
At 4:30 p.m., Apisit spoke at a rally in the municipal park of Phatthalung. He noted that Phatthalung has valuable social and natural capital, not just the usual image, but as a city with World Heritage status and a modern economy. Especially noteworthy is eco-tourism, which is environmentally friendly and a global trend. Phatthalung has beautiful river basins and natural areas. Our duty is to preserve these and generate income without degradation like other tourist sites. The Democrat Party aims to convert these potentials into sustainable wealth for the people of Phatthalung.
Previous tourism efforts were limited to temporary events. The new approach is to devolve power to local authorities who understand their area's strengths and weaknesses to drive tourism policies instead of centralization. Additionally, technology will be employed to promote Phatthalung as a global destination alongside Chiang Mai and Phuket. He stressed that all policies depend on “honest politics,” because if politicians seek only budget benefits, projects will not truly reach the people. He asked Phatthalung residents to give the Democrat Party a chance to form the government to build a growing economy alongside citizens' security and transparent politics.
Juree emphasizes the duty of Trang residents to protect the Democrat Party’s stronghold.
At 5:00 p.m., Apisit led Democrat Party members including former Prime Minister and party-list candidate Chuan Lekhaphai, deputy party leader and Songkhla District 2 candidate Juree Numkaew, southern regional deputy leader Chaichana Dechadecho, and deputy party leader Satit Wongnongtoey in a major rally at the old Trang provincial hall, highlighting “Trang people do not tolerate shadow capital.” More than 10,000 people attended the rally.
Juree addressed the crowd of thousands, saying that Trang is the Democrat Party’s capital. From now on, no matter what, do not let the Democrat capital be broken. Everyone must help protect this strategic base and prevent anyone from taking it away. This party is the legacy of our forefathers. If it were rubber or palm plantations, it could be taken, but this party belongs to the ancestors who passed down its principles. The party’s policies include a universal elderly allowance of 1,000 baht per month and incentives to increase population growth. For each newborn, the government provides 5,000 baht upon birth registration and 5,000 baht monthly until reaching 65,000 baht total. Many other welfare policies will support citizens’ well-being.
"But none of this will happen if people are swayed by the 1,000 baht vote-buying. Those who wear masks, hats, and sunglasses to collect 1,000 baht each — does that amount buy rice for how many days? It pays for meals or lottery tickets, but only for a few days. Looking into your eyes, I believe it cannot buy your soul. Do not let elections become auctions where the richest buy everything, even the Election Commission cannot intervene. The only way to control politicians is through the people themselves. Do not take the bait. Help spread the word to relatives in every district to vote Democrat. The party and all candidates in Trang’s four districts must win. Do not let vote buying prevail. Let this voice echo throughout Thailand: you may accept money, but do not vote for those who buy votes. Vote blue for the Democrat Party to bring back Apisit Vejjajiva as prime minister and honest politics in parliament alongside Chuan Lekhaphai. Let us reclaim the Democrat capital in all four districts of Trang," Juree said.
Criticizing the Bhumjaithai Party for mocking the Democrat Party’s emphasis on the "legacy of the elders," saying we’ll see what remains when they become elders themselves.
At 7:00 p.m., Apisit took the stage for a major Democrat Party rally. “Trang united: fully blue, fully southern.” At the old provincial hall stadium, he said he returned with a heavy mission to revive the party because people have had enough of politics and the country’s situation. He is fortunate that senior figures remain steadfast within the party, especially Chuan Lekhaphai and Banyat Banthatthan, former party leader and his associate, who have returned to work with him. They remain committed to the party’s integrity and principles despite a changing world. The Democrat Party has successfully passed its values from generation to generation, so southern people call it “the legacy of the elders.” Opposing parties mock the focus on old matters, possibly not understanding that if the "legacy of the elders" had no value, no one would preserve it. He said he will watch to see what the opposing parties will have left when they become elders themselves.
Chuan recalls Democrat Party’s low point and how “Mark” helped revive it.
At 8:30 p.m., Chuan Lekhaphai, Democrat Party list candidate and former prime minister, spoke at the Trang stage, sharing as a party owner that the party previously suffered severe internal conflict. During the vote for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, 19 MPs defied the party’s decision by supporting Srettha, damaging the party's reputation. Subsequently, Jurin Laksanawisit resigned as party leader, replaced by Chalermchai Sri-on, marking the start of the party’s decline as many leaders left, leaving only Chuan. A divine event occurred when Chalermchai resigned, allowing Apisit to return as party leader and former leaders to come back.
Chuan said Apisit’s return elevated the party from a spare-part or backup party intended by previous leaders to resemble the Chart Thai Party — a family party with few MPs but ministers in every coalition. Now, the party is elevated, and he believes Apisit is suitable to lead. He asked the public to follow his request, vote for the Democrat Party, and support local candidates.
Condemned some parties for using local officials and health volunteers as vote-buying tools.
Chuan added that vote-buying has started at 500 baht. He met with the provincial governor but only encountered district officials and police chiefs to urge them to monitor and discourage vote-buyers. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has caused officials to fear taking action. He praised Deputy Governor Anan Boonsamran of Trang for courageously warning officials not to be tools for vote-buyers. He also wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, despite his ties to Anutin, appealing as a friend and fellow Trang native to support honest and fair elections and report vote-buying spreading in Trang.
He noted some parties use Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) to buy votes, with some unwilling but pressured, fearing being labeled troublemakers. He sympathized and wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health to uphold VHVs’ dignity.
"They use one VHV to cover 25 families, paying 25,000 baht to distribute 1,000 baht per family, plus a 10,000 baht reward for the VHV and an additional 200 baht bonus, turning VHVs into political tools. I wrote to the Public Health Permanent Secretary to report and prevent this, preserving the organization’s credibility and preventing it from becoming a tool for certain parties. Likewise, Trang residents should not let anyone buy or demean their dignity," Chuan said.
Urging southern and Trang people to reclaim their dignity.
Chuan continued that the Democrat Party has nurtured many politicians including Somchai Lorthapornpipit, former Trang MP, and his daughter. Initially hesitant to speak, he was prompted after seeing Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn give Somchai a party shirt in front of a Democrat Party sign without respect, and hear accusations that Trang has no development. He questioned who pushed for Trang’s airport construction, pointing to Anutin’s visit by plane.
"I do not know who considers the legacy of the elders important. Those envious are also old. Now, there are no elders, only busybodies meddling in others’ affairs. The legacy we speak of is not stolen or involved in gambling, drug trafficking, scams, or illegal acts. That legacy was preserved by the elders and must be respected by descendants. But if the elders were corrupt, dishonest, drug dealers, gambling owners, or lawbreakers, that would be poison to the descendants. The Democrat Party asks everyone to be proud of what we stand for: the dignity of Trang people cannot be bought with money," he concluded.
