Chaiyachana appeared to support Kamnan Mano, affirming he was not behind the mob formation. He pointed out that people are suffering from high fuel prices and living costs, and urged Phiphat not to forget the southern people and to visit the protesters occasionally.
On 9 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Chaiyachana Detdecho, party-list MP and Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, visited the People's Revolutionary Group to Protect the Land (NPP) protesters camped near the Government House. He said he came as a southerner to encourage the people, especially those from Surat Thani province, whom he had met during previous campaign visits. With the public now distressed and exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights, it was normal for him to come and offer support.
Chaiyachana called on southern politicians to remember the times they campaigned door-to-door to earn votes. When people suffer, they should stand beside them—not only think of them during election season. He reiterated that the protesters' demands are clear: to reduce fuel prices by 10 baht per liter and seriously tackle drug problems.
Regarding rumors that he was behind organizing the mob, Chaiyachana firmly denied this. He said the protests arose from citizens’ own hardships, especially over fuel prices and economic crisis, not from politicians’ orchestration. He emphasized that citizens have the constitutional right to make demands of the elected prime minister.
Chaiyachana said the government should open dialogue with the people to hear their demands and explain solutions. He criticized government measures to pressure or block the protests, such as enforcing a 50-meter distance from the Government House and banning movement or marches from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., despite the protesters having permission to use loudspeakers.
He warned that if the government plans to use laws against the protesters, it should target him first. He said he is ready to take responsibility because people are exercising their rights peacefully, without aggressive behavior or trespassing on the Government House. Small issues should not be allowed to escalate into bigger problems.
On the report that Kamnan Mano sought advice from Sonthi Limthongkul before starting protests, Chaiyachana said he was unaware of the details and only knew from media reports that Kamnan Mano had met him. He said this is Kamnan Mano’s freedom and that he has not met him before and does not know how the protesters will proceed.
Chaiyachana also mentioned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, nicknamed "Na Luang," who is also from the south and close to him. They had attended a special course together at Ramkhamhaeng University. He noted that Phiphat is Deputy Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party in the south and has spoken about the party winning 30 seats in the southern region.
He urged Phiphat to pay attention to the southern people currently suffering. During campaigns, politicians visit and respectfully greet voters, but when problems arise, they should show care and support, not leave the people to protest alone.
Chaiyachana specially asked that on 10 Nov 2026 GMT+7, when Phiphat is scheduled to attend a Cabinet meeting at the Government House, he should stop by to visit and greet the southern protesters camped nearby. He said Phiphat might be inside a building close to the protest site and encouraged him to meet the people briefly.
Chaiyachana gave an example of hardship caused by fuel prices: in the past, 1,000 baht could buy nearly 50 liters of fuel, but now it buys less than 22 liters. Meanwhile, living costs have risen, but agricultural prices have fallen. It is the government’s duty to urgently resolve these issues. If the government can satisfy and ease people's hardships, life will return to normal.
After the interview, Chaiyachana immediately approached Kamnan Mano. Upon seeing him, Kamnan Mano greeted him in southern dialect saying, “It's all messed up. I'm a novice and haven't eaten rice.” The two then shook hands and embraced. Chaiyachana said he came to offer support. The crowd teased, “The younger brother and the elder,” and Chaiyachana added he came to encourage Kamnan Mano, asserting the government is behind the mob because it pressures people and causes their suffering, prompting them to protest.
Kamnan Mano said no politician is behind them; Chaiyachana came as a citizen. This was their third meeting—first about 6-7 years ago, second at a wedding. Chaiyachana said he will visit often as long as Kamnan Mano remains there, and will keep visiting frequently until fuel prices drop.
