Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, has declared his run for the February 8 general election with a strong focus on crisis resolution and national transformation. Presenting UTN as a party rooted in real-world experience, Pirapan emphasized its commitment to concrete action and problem-solving. Key campaign issues include energy cost reduction, national security, corruption eradication, and economic reforms focused on societal equity.
Pirapan highlighted the energy sector as critical, questioning Thailand’s oil price benchmarking against Singapore despite domestic production. Advocating for transparency in production costs, he proposed legislation to reduce oil prices by up to 25 baht per liter. The goal is to alleviate economic pressures and improve overall living standards by controlling energy costs, which he identifies as a major financial burden.
In terms of national security, Pirapan adopted a firm stance on tensions with Cambodia, emphasizing the need for decisive action to counter territorial encroachments. His proposal includes supporting the military, developing a domestic defense industry, and improving troop welfare, asserting that soldiers deserve dignity and security.
Pirapan also addressed corruption, dubbing it a societal "cancer" that requires severe punishment and strict legal enforcement. He argued for proportionate penalties and immediate court ruling enforcement, emphasizing that significant scandals should face the harshest consequences.
Economically, Pirapan's policies aim to move away from GDP-centric approaches, focusing on a "sharing economy" where large corporations contribute to social welfare. Plans include a 50-billion-baht emergency household fund for interest-free loans and the creation of jobs for the vulnerable, alongside proposals to reform education and agriculture.
Going forward, Pirapan insists on addressing border security, maintaining anti-corruption measures, and upholding national institutions as conditions for any coalition agreements. He expresses a preference for overseeing energy reform until it is fully resolved for the benefit of the people, reported Bangkok Post.
Key Takeaways
Pirapan Salirathavibhaga prioritizes energy reform and national security in his campaign.
Anti-corruption measures and economic equity are central to UTN's platform.
Coalition conditions include strong national defense and unyielding anti-corruption policies.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-02-03
