Chutipong Phiphopphinyo posted about vote canvassers, saying they are not bad people but constant support for villagers. He urged not to blame villagers for accepting money, explaining the patronage system goes beyond just offering money for votes. Encountering a thousand such canvassers is truly overwhelming.
On 10 Feb 2026, Chutipong Phiphopphinyo, former Rayong MP from the People's Party, posted about his election campaign experience. As a former representative of a traditional community mixed with industry, he won in new housing estates and labor areas this time, but wondered why he couldn't penetrate the original community areas.
Here is one example: when I visited homes in remote areas, some villagers asked me not to reveal my presence there. They were warned that if they spoke with me, they should not seek help from their local influential person (vote canvasser) afterward. They said without that canvasser, it would be very hard to handle matters themselves because the canvasser is the one who approves things.
These vote canvassers are not bad people; they are constant support for villagers. They live closer to the villagers than I do. Trash bins, street lighting, water supply, health checks—almost the entire community depends on them. Given the local context, this person is truly necessary. I understood this, and yes, after I left, that canvasser went to visit the people I had just met at their homes.
This canvasser has connections within their patronage system allowing faster approval of certain requests than others. They have a superior who handles issues and looks after them. When requests go through the canvasser, things proceed. I once sent a letter to the same office, but the matter did not progress, even though it was the same issue.
These canvassers are also pressured by their superiors who help them, who say if they do not deliver votes for their patron, prior assistance will be cut off. They also ask villagers for understanding because structural political policies have yet to truly reach the people. I cannot be their support for every issue. Facing this cycle, even when I visit the area, I can do little. Sometimes it’s mild, other times hardcore canvassers loudly insult me over loudspeakers for the villagers to hear. Those who speak up in my favor also face backlash. At election time, these canvassers ask villagers to help their patron according to the patronage system.
My district is 70% rural. Villagers who support me mostly stay quiet; openly declaring support is difficult. I understand the villagers well. Please do not blame them for accepting money. The patronage system is stronger than simply buying votes with money. They live like this daily for many years. I alone have encountered thousands of such canvassers; it’s impossible to reach and compete with them all.
I have not given up. I will try to reach them more than before (not sure how effective it will be, but I will try) until political policies and development structures reach people equally and elevate the city. The patronage system remains a high wall for me. Anyone who wants to volunteer in my district can contact me to help together.
In summary, saying villagers are foolish and bought with votes is not true in my view. But the structure oppresses them. Migrants and city dwellers who access the system are not affected by this. That is why my votes come from housing estates and industrial areas, while rural areas require more effort and team support—for submitting issues and assisting villagers. Thank you. P.S. I have much more to share. Next time, I will explain in detail about vote canvassers.