CHIANG RAI – The Pheu Thai Party held a major campaign rally on January 30, 2026, at Mae Chan Wittayakhom School stadium in Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai.
The event brought together party leaders and supporters to back three constituency candidates: Piyarat Tiyapairat (District 2), Chaiyon Sri Samut (District 6), and Sanga Prommuang (District 7). Organizers estimated the crowd at about 15,000 to 20,000 people.
Speakers repeated key party proposals, including a daily prize-style policy that randomly awards 1 million baht to nine people each day, along with other economic and social measures.
Yotsanan Wongsawat (known as Chen), a Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate, told the audience he connects easily with people in the North and asked voters to choose Pheu Thai candidates across all seven Chiang Rai constituencies.
He focused heavily on household debt. He gave an example of someone earning 100 baht but spending 88 baht on debt payments, leaving only 12 baht to live on. He said that kind of pressure hurts everyday life and makes it harder for people to trade, sell, or produce goods.
Pheu Thai’s answer, he said, is to pause debt repayments of up to 500,000 baht for three years. He also said the party would step in to address problems linked to flooding and drought.
On drugs, he said the party would declare a war on narcotics and finish it in one effort. His message was that police and local officials would remove users from communities first, then hit the remaining networks hard. He also talked about stronger border controls to stop drugs from coming back in.
He added that the party supports education through a scholarship plan described as “one district, one scholarship,” to help young people return to work for their communities.
Julapun Amornvivat: Raises “war on poverty,” promises 3,000 baht minimum income support
Julapun Amornvivat, another Pheu Thai leader and prime ministerial candidate, said Thaksin Shinawatra was the first to declare a “war on poverty,” but that effort was cut short by military intervention. He said Thaksin’s relative will now continue that mission and push forward a “Thais without poverty” policy.
He said people earning less than 3,000 baht a month would be topped up to reach 3,000 baht. For those with no income, including bedridden patients, unemployed people, and older adults, he said the government would provide 3,000 baht per month.
He said Pheu Thai is ready to address economic and social problems and reduce poverty.
Nattawut Saikua: Criticizes a minority government arrangement
Nattawut Saikua, a Pheu Thai campaign aide, criticized a political setup where a party with around 70 seats could form a government and secure a prime minister while other parties support votes in parliament but do not formally join the coalition.
He said there was talk of staying in power for four months to amend the constitution, but that did not happen, and parliament was dissolved instead. He warned that this could become a serious concern if it continues.
He also took a swipe at the People’s Party, using a line about a “mouse becoming a lion overnight” and a jab involving “oranges.”
Pheu Thai’s Next stops in Chiang Rai and Phayao
Reports said Pheu Thai planned to continue campaigning in Chiang Rai and Phayao for another day.
On January 31, the schedule included:
- A rally at Plong Wittayakhom School in Thoeng district
- A stop at Ban Mo market in Chiang Kham district, Phayao
- Events in Mueang Phan municipality, Phan district
- A stop at Mae Suai Wittayakhom School in the Mae Suai district
- An evening major rally at the GMS International Convention and Exhibition Center in Mueang Chiang Rai district
