Bangkok: "Pipat" is confident in the party's performance and leadership, maintaining the original target of 31 seats. Pipat admitted concern after a poll in Songkhla showed the Democrat Party leading. He remains confident that the party's performance and leader will maintain their target of 31 seats. He is anticipating a major final rally, bringing Anutin, Ekniti, and Supajee to the stage. He also noted that the "Half-Price Plus" scheme remains popular and has received a positive response.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, speaking as a leading figure of the Bhumjaithai Party in the southern region, commented on a NIDA poll showing support for Abhisit Vejjajiva, the party's prime ministerial candidate, and the Democrat Party in Songkhla. When asked if he had any concerns, he replied that it was normal, but as a political party and as someone entrusted with overseeing the southern region by the Bhumjaithai Party, they must continue to strive to present the party's accomplishments from 2019 to the present. He admitted to being concerned, but not overly so, as times and eras change. However, he expressed confidence in Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai Party leader who has served as acting prime minister for the past three months, stating that Anutin has provided greater clarity and leadership than any previous administration.
When asked whether the Bhumjaithai Party could still win the hearts of the people in the remaining time, Mr. Pipat said that they are not trying to buy people's hearts, but rather trying to present their achievements in the past so that the people in the 14 southern provinces know what the Bhumjaithai Party has done and what they will do in the near future after the election on February 8, 2026. He believes that the people in the South will understand what the Bhumjaithai Party is presenting. When something is presented, it must be achievable; it shouldn't be just empty promises that cannot be realized. The Bhumjaithai Party will only present what is achievable.
Regarding the Bhumjaithai Party's objectives in the southern region, Mr. Pipat stated that he is confident of securing 31 seats and will strive to achieve even more, as there are approximately three political parties competing in the South. Therefore, he remains confident that the party will win the most constituency seats.
When asked if he was worried about being assigned to oversee the southern region, Mr. Pipat said that the Bhumjaithai Party had assigned him and several other colleagues this task. Of course, political work isn't easy. We have to address the people's needs in every aspect, but the most important thing is to convince the people that we can deliver on our promises.
Regarding trump cards for the remaining period, Mr. Pipat stated that there wouldn't be any, emphasizing that the Bhumjaithai Party would present what is achievable and would not propose unrealistic projects. They would strive to implement feasible policies, such as the "Half-Price Plus" scheme, which they will continue if the party leads the government formation.
Mr. Pipat added that, based on his meetings with vendors in the market, he received very positive feedback on the Co-Pay Plus project.
The Bhumjaithai Party's major rallies in the southern region will begin on January 28, 2026, with the first venue being Ranong province and the final rally in Phatthalung province on February 6, 2026, coinciding with the main rally in Bangkok.
In addition, there are highlights to watch on January 30, 2026 in Phuket, February 3 in Surat Thani, February 4 in Songkhla, and February 5 in Nakhon Si Thammarat, as Mr. Anutin, along with Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, will be campaigning in the South.