Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul expressed shock after news of vote-buying involving 7,500 baht surfaced. He challenged the media to reveal who was responsible, saying he would buy them a pair of buffalo horns to wear. He retorted that he knew nothing about it and never did such a thing, urging them not to try and trick him. He also declared he didn’t care what others thought.
According to Thai News Agency, Kan Ubon Ratchathani declined to campaign under a Bhumjaithai party banner, stating she only wanted to be elected as an MP. She expressed confidence in the strength of southern Isaan, saying “it’s up to you to think what you want,” and added that she wouldn’t participate in debates as a missed opportunity, opting for an organic approach to campaigning. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, reiterated his campaign strategy, stating that he prefers to campaign after official working hours if possible. He avoids campaigning during this time, even though he is entitled to leave, because people are still working in the afternoons.
Regarding the incident where Ms. Sudarat Pitakphornpallop, a candidate for Member of Parliament in Ubon Ratchathani, wore a shirt bearing the image of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her campaign, Mr. Anutin said he didn’t know when or if the incident occurred, or if it happened yesterday. He added that Ms. Sudarat clarified that her hair is currently black, but the hair in the video has highlights. Therefore, he said, “Why should I care?” He concluded that as long as she is a candidate for the Bhumjaithai Party, he is satisfied with her being elected as a Bhumjaithai Party MP.
Regarding his confidence in securing votes from the traditional voter base of other parties, Mr. Anutin said that he had not yet visited Ubon Ratchathani province, but from what he understood, the people there were in good health and did not yet require his presence in the area. When asked if Ms. Sudarat had called to consult him, Mr. Anutin laughed before saying that there were people responsible for different zones.
Regarding the strong support base of the Bhumjaithai Party in the southern Isaan region, Mr. Anutin turned to Ms. Traisulee Traisaranakul, the Prime Minister’s Secretary-General in charge of the southern Isaan region, and replied, “It’s very strong.”
While the issue of 7,500 baht being distributed for vote-buying was being called upon, with political parties pledging not to buy votes, Mr. Anutin retorted by asking what the 7,500 baht was about. When a reporter replied that a poll showed vote-buying was happening for as much as 7,500 baht per person, Mr. Anutin looked shocked, repeating, “Buying votes for 7,500 baht” before adding, “That’s only 700 baht for buying a buffalo horn! Who paid 7,500 baht? Let me know, and I’ll buy you a buffalo horn to cover your head!”
When pressed further on whether buying votes for 7,500 baht per person was impossible, Mr. Anutin said, “I don’t know. I wouldn’t dare say. I’ve never done it.” He added, “I know they’re trying to trick me into saying it’s not that much.”
Mr. Anutin also commented on the fierce competition in this election, saying that the competition has been fierce since time immemorial. He urged candidates to compete within the rules, stating that he has no problem with it because competition is a beautiful thing, provided it is done according to the rules and with sportsmanship.
Regarding whether not participating in a debate with the party leader and candidates from other political parties would be a missed opportunity, Mr. Anutin said that it depends on how one thinks about it. Personally, he doesn’t think that way because he presents his vision every day through his work.
Regarding organic campaigning and whether he is confident it can influence public sentiment, Mr. Anutin said that the term “organic” has no fixed format. He doesn’t expect anything; he does it out of a genuine desire to help and to benefit from going to the field to listen directly to the people. It’s not one-sided communication; it’s about making them accessible, listening to their likes and dislikes, what they want or don’t want, and understanding the problems they face and how they want help solving them. This is what he has gained from organic campaigning. He added, “I didn’t campaign at all. I hardly even mentioned number 37 or the candidate’s number in that district.”
Regarding whether there will be any trump cards revealed in the final stretch, Mr. Anutin stated that there won’t be. “We are working and using all forms and channels of public relations to inform the public about what the Bhumjaithai Party will offer if elected.”
When asked what he was most concerned about in the final stretch, Mr. Anutin said, “Doing our best, providing as much as possible for the people.” When asked if he was worried, he said he wasn’t because the decision rests with the voters, with the people.
Regarding his motivation for visiting the area, Mr. Anutin said it comes from the many ways people show respect to the soldiers, which they continuously provide.
Regarding the lively campaigning of the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Anutin stated that each side has its own beliefs, and there are many ways to campaign; whoever believes in something can do it. The Bhumjaithai Party also believes in its own method and is confident that this campaigning style is appropriate for the Bhumjaithai Party.
Regarding the statement that the Pheu Thai Party should not be underestimated, Mr. Anutin stated that he never underestimates anyone and offers encouragement to all candidates from all parties. Regarding whether all parties have the opportunity to cooperate, Mr. Anutin stated that it is up to the people to decide.