Phuket: Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, campaigned in Phuket while riding a bicycle to support Ploy Talay's campaign and promote the "Half-Price Plus" co-payment scheme. Locals wished him well, expressing hopes for an election victory. Mr. Anutin, accompanied by Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the party's regional commander for Southern Thailand, and Ms. Traisulee Traisaranakul, a Bhumjaithai Party list candidate, visited the agricultural market in the Mueang District of Phuket Province to campaign for Ms. Ploytalay Laksameesangchan, the party's candidate for Phuket Constituency 1.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at the market was lively, with people, including vendors, eager to take photos with Mr. Anutin. Some locals expressed admiration, stating, "I've finally seen the real Prime Minister!" During his visit, Mr. Anutin encouraged hesitant villagers to join in for photographs, with some commenting that "The real Prime Minister is even more handsome than on TV."
During the campaign, a vendor offered Mr. Anutin a pineapple, which he politely declined, promising to return to purchase it later. Another vendor presented him with roses and urged, "Vote for the whole family," while advising, "Don't open the checkpoints." Mr. Anutin responded reassuringly, "Think about other things. Don't worry. Don't clutter your mind with these thoughts." A market vendor also told Mr. Anutin, "Fight against Cambodia and win."
The co-payment scheme became a topic of interest among the vendors, prompting Mr. Anutin to explain the "Co-payment Plus" policy and its additional benefits. As he continued to engage with the market's patrons, a villager presented him with a garland, wishing him success in the election, saying, "May the Prime Minister win the election and gain the most MPs."
Concluding his market visit, Mr. Anutin mounted a bicycle adorned with the candidate's name and picture, signaling support for Ms. Ploytalee by holding up four fingers, before cycling to campaign outside the farmer's market. After spending over an hour with residents, Mr. Anutin paid respects at a sacred shrine, a significant landmark in Phuket, at the Phuket Shrine.