BANGKOK, THAILAND – On the eve of Thailand’s parliamentary election, leading parties made an intense final push across the Bangkok metropolitan area to win over undecided voters.
Interim premier closes Bhumjaithai campaign
At his party headquarters in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai party and serving prime minister, formally declared the campaign over and thanked the public for its warm reception of candidates nationwide. Surrounded by senior party figures, he said Bhumjaithai had spent the past five weeks presenting its policies through direct grassroots outreach, gathering feedback and identifying issues the party would address if it joined the next government.
Anutin, the party’s main candidate for prime minister, noted that many voters viewed the performance of the Bhumjaithai-led administration during its four-month tenure positively and showed particular interest in the co-payment scheme “Khon La Khrueng Plus.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to govern so far, appealed for continued trust, and praised the efforts of his campaign team and supporters.
Election night expectations and vote count
Bhumjaithai’s leadership planned to gather at party headquarters in Bangkok on Sunday evening to follow incoming election results together, with Anutin saying first trends should become visible between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Election Commission announced it would release the first unofficial nationwide results around 11 p.m., while the Public Relations Department prepared an English-language website to provide near real-time updates on the vote count.
Early start in Bangkok districts and market promises
Anutin began his final campaign day at 6:50 a.m. in Taechiu Health Park, supporting constituency candidate Patcharin Samsiripong in the central Bangkok districts of Sathon, Pathum Wan and Ratchathewi. Accompanied by list candidates Varawut Silpa-archa, Supamas Isarabhakdi and Anucha Buraphachaisri, he joined in sports and badminton activities, drank tea with residents and listened to their words of encouragement.
Around midday he continued at AC Market Sai Mai, backing Bangkok candidate Ekaphop Lueangprasert, greeting vendors and shoppers and asking about business conditions. When he saw stalls displaying signs for the “Khon La Khrueng” scheme, he urged sellers not to remove them and promised the programme would return if Bhumjaithai formed the next government.
Pheu Thai’s red Jeep tour through inner city
In the afternoon, the Pheu Thai party sent its top candidates Yodchanan Wongsawat and Julapun Amornvivat, who also serves as party leader, on a final caravan through inner Bangkok, starting at 1 p.m. from Hua Lamphong railway station. They were joined by senior party members such as Pongkawin Jungrungreangkit, secretary-general Prasert Chanruangthong, Phumtham Wechayachai, several Bangkok constituency and list candidates, and campaign aide Nattawut Saikuar, while Yodchanan and Julapun rode in the party’s iconic red Jeep, previously used in campaigns under former prime ministers Yingluck Shinawatra, Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The Pheu Thai caravan passed through Yaowarat, Suea Pa and Mahachai, then along Ratchadamnoen Road, finishing at the Democracy Monument, a central political symbol in the capital. Supporters lined the route, with some motorists slowing down to wave, cheer and form heart signs to show their backing for the candidates.
People’s Party targets young supporters in Nonthaburi
At the same time, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party and also a prime ministerial contender, led his final campaign caravan into neighbouring Nonthaburi province, starting at the Wat Krajom Thong market in Bang Kruai district. Together with constituency candidate Anusorn Kaewwichian, he switched between different vehicles to visit several constituencies and maintain an on-the-ground presence for his party.
At Bangrak Market in Bang Bua Thong district, around 200 supporters welcomed him, chanting “PM Teng,” presenting garlands, snacks and fruit, and asking for numerous photos and autographs. The People’s Party urged its backers to give the party 20 million votes, noting that predecessor party Move Forward had led the 2023 election with 14.5 million votes, and Natthaphong called on voters to choose the People’s Party on both ballots before ending his tour.
Choice over Thailand’s political direction
With weeks of promises, debates and strategies concluded, millions of Thai citizens were left to decide the country’s political course at the ballot box. The campaign’s closing messages focused on continuity, social support schemes and a potential shift in parliamentary strength, as parties competed for turnout in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.
“Weeks full of promises, debates and strategies have ended. Now millions of voters are deciding the future of the country. Is Thailand facing a change of power, or will the result confirm the previous course?”
said Bangkok Post, source commentary.