BANGKOK, THAILAND – Rival Thai parties intensified their campaigns with costly promises as the February 8 parliamentary election entered its final phase.
Pheu Thai teases ‘two more surprises’
In the multicultural constituency of Bang Kho Laem–Yannawa, Julapun Amornvivat of the Pheu Thai Party presented a package of cost-of-living pledges and hinted at further measures to come. The party had already promised a 20‑baht flat fare for electric trains, 10‑baht air‑conditioned buses and a cut in electricity prices to 3.70 baht per unit, which he described as only the beginning.
“We still have two more surprises for the Thai people. Stay tuned!”
said Julapun, fuelling speculation over the party’s final campaign cards.
Bhumjaithai promotes mega-projects and vouchers
At the same time, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, toured provincial areas to promote his party’s economic agenda. In Ranong, he highlighted the multi‑billion‑baht “Land Bridge” project, presented as a way to boost the regional economy.
Zudem warb er für die Ausweitung des „Khon La Khrung Plus“-Programms, das durch Konsumgutscheine die Basiswirtschaft stimulieren soll.
“Choose capable, results‑oriented representatives,”
said Anutin, seeking to position himself as a pragmatic problem‑solver.
PPRP bids for low-income vote with higher aid
The only female candidate for prime minister, Treenuch Thienthong of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), focused on social benefits. She pledged to upgrade the state welfare card into a “Pracharath Extra Card” aimed at strengthening support for low‑income citizens.
Under her plan, monthly assistance for low‑income earners would rise from 300 to 700 baht, more than doubling current payments and directly targeting the core voter base of rival parties.
Complaints over interference and damaged posters
Behind the scenes, tensions intensified as parties traded accusations over campaign conduct. Julapun confirmed that Pheu Thai had received complaints about alleged electoral interference and vandalism of campaign posters.
He urged the Election Commission (EC) to carry out its duties strictly to ensure a clean and fair election, saying the allegations reflected an increasingly strained and polarised atmosphere in the final stretch of the race.
Voters push for tangible relief
During a visit to the Charoen Krung 103 canal-side market, the economic hub of the local community, Julapun sought direct contact with residents to gauge their concerns. In Khon Kaen, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party (PP), reportedly received similarly enthusiastic support from local voters.
Many people appeared sceptical of the avalanche of promises, calling instead for concrete plans to deliver economic relief, affordable transport and stable energy costs.
Race between quick relief and long-term projects
With only weeks left before voting day, the major parties engaged in an expensive contest for voter support. While Pheu Thai courted the electorate with surprise pledges and infrastructure‑related measures, Bhumjaithai emphasised mega‑projects and PPRP offered direct cash transfers.
The outcome was expected to show whether Thais favoured short‑term financial relief or long‑term economic mega‑projects, as the final weeks of campaigning promised to remain highly charged.