In the final campaign stretch, Anutin draped a cloth over the Phra Mahathat statue, paid respects at the city pillar shrine, and worshiped the Jatukam Ramathep amulet. He dismissed the Democrat Party’s invocation of the 'Father’s Legacy,' assuring no need to worry about Cambodia disrupting the election and affirming voters’ rights will not be affected. If his party returns to government, they will proceed with mega-projects and man-made developments across the country.
On 5 February 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, began his campaign trip in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, accompanied by party leaders including Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana.
Upon arrival in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Anutin’s first task was to pay homage to sacred local symbols by performing candlelight procession and draping a cloth on the Phra Mahathat statue at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. He also paid respects to the guardian giants at the temple’s entrance before proceeding to the city pillar shrine to worship the city pillar and the Jatukam Ramathep amulet.
Reporters noted that during this southern visit, Anutin wore a gold-framed Jatukam Ramathep amulet necklace. When asked about its edition, he briefly showed it to the press, revealing it was the 1987 model, then zipped up his jacket to cover it again.
Anutin greeted citizens at the plaza in front of Nakhon Si Thammarat city hall and stopped by a nearby amulet framing shop, where he showed a Garuda coin gifted by Chao Khun Thongchai. Later, he took the stage for a major campaign speech that evening.
Reporters explained that the 1987 Jatukam Ramathep amulet (the City Pillar edition) is highly revered for bringing luck, protection, and resolving Zodiac Conflict Year (Pee Chong) issues, enhancing fortune and success. It is the most popular among Jatukam amulet collectors.
Dismisses Democrat Party’s 'Father’s Legacy' claim, insists on winning through public trust.
Anutin told reporters he is confident in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where Bhumjaithai has candidates in all nine constituencies. “We are confident that all our candidates know the locals well and have close, trustworthy relationships with the people. The reception here has been warm,” he said.
Regarding the Democrat Party’s assertion that southern voters are loyal and unlikely to switch parties, Anutin responded, “Everyone has their beliefs. If anyone says something that makes them comfortable, how can I comment? I consider myself one of the competitors.”
Asked if he is unconcerned despite the Democrat Party’s rising momentum in the final stretch, Anutin said, “We have never been worried. We don’t win by attacking others or using derogatory rhetoric. We win by building trust and showing the people what Bhumjaithai has done for them.”
On the Democrat Party’s use of the phrase 'Father’s Legacy,' Anutin said, “As I said, it is everyone’s right and belief.” He also affirmed that his recent three-day, two-event campaign stops in Hat Yai, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat were not in response to the Democrat Party’s rising popularity but part of a planned tour through various provinces.
Assures no concern over Cambodian border interference, affirms voting rights remain unaffected.
Anutin also commented on the Thai-Cambodian border situation, where a 40mm grenade was recently fired near Thai military bases, noting that the military and armed forces have already provided explanations.
When asked about worries that the election might not take place, Anutin said, “No need to worry. It’s too late now because the election is scheduled for 8 February.”
When pressed on his confidence that nothing will disrupt the election and that voting can proceed, Anutin shook his head and said, “Nothing will happen.”
Asked about accusations that Bhumjaithai is exploiting nationalist sentiment and border tensions for political gain, Anutin said, “People get anxious; let them vent.”
If returned to government, will advance mega-projects and man-made attractions nationwide.
Anutin spoke about plans to promote mega-projects and man-made tourist destinations in Thailand. He noted that Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, believes the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has great potential and ample land to develop attractions that boost tourism and the economy.
However, Anutin said specific project names, such as Disneyland or Universal Studios, should not be mentioned because these global companies require time to decide and consider many factors. The government’s role is to prepare the country in terms of transportation and ensuring tourists’ safety so that when investors arrive, Thailand can accommodate them efficiently.
Anutin added that if Bhumjaithai returns to government, it will no longer be a minority government and will study existing and potential projects in the EEC to further develop them and attract more foreign investment in a mutually beneficial way for both investors and the nation.
Asked if the EEC mega-projects and man-made tourist destinations aim to attract tourists, Anutin replied, “This is inevitable and not limited to just the EEC. If Bhumjaithai returns to government, it will reinforce confidence that Thailand is stable, peaceful, sustainable, and ready to develop all regions.”
Anutin emphasized that Thailand’s strengths lie in its culture, traditions, historic and religious sites blended with modernity, and natural resources like mountains and seas. These assets must be developed and leveraged to maximize Thailand’s appeal as a global tourist destination.
