Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

The prime minister has downplayed the political impact of former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s return to campaign rallies, as Thailand’s election race intensifies ahead of polling day on 8 February. His comments come as the People’s Party (PP) hold a series of high-profile rallies in Bangkok and Samut Prakan aimed at mobilising supporters.

The remarks were made by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also leader of the ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), during a campaign visit to Khong Ta Pheng Market in Nakhon Sawan. He rejected suggestions that Mr Pita’s reappearance would significantly boost the PP’s momentum in closely contested constituencies.

The PP is the successor to the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, which Mr Pita previously led. Opinion polls indicate the PP and BJT are currently neck and neck in the race to lead the next government following the general election scheduled for 8 February.

Mr Anutin said criticism of BJT circulating on social media should not be taken as a reliable indicator of public sentiment. “If we only read social media [comments], we might feel discouraged. But when we go out and meet people, we are warmly welcomed everywhere,” he said.

He added that such online criticism was largely “fake news” intended to undermine his party’s growing popularity in certain areas. The prime minister said direct engagement with voters offered a clearer picture of public support than online commentary.

Asked about Mr Pita’s return and the possible resurfacing of his controversial remarks on the role of the military, Mr Anutin responded cautiously. He acknowledged that such rhetoric could re-emerge but declined to comment further on its potential political impact.

Mr Pita signalled his return to Thailand on 23 January by posting a photograph on Facebook showing him aboard a flight, accompanied by the caption “Okay, see you” and a flame emoji. His post prompted numerous PP candidates to invite him to campaign in their constituencies.

He appeared at a “Believe in the People” rally at Samyan Mitrtown in Bangkok on Sunday. Following the Bangkok event, he travelled to Samut Prakan to continue campaigning with PP supporters.

Bangkokpost reported that earlier, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chair of the Progressive Movement, said Mr Pita’s return was deliberately timed for the final stretch of the campaign. He said the move followed outreach efforts aimed at Thai voters living overseas.

Key Takeaways

• The prime minister has dismissed claims that Pita Limjaroenrat’s return will significantly boost the People’s Party.

• The Bhumjaithai Party and the People’s Party are polling closely ahead of the 8 February general election.

• Mr Pita appeared at rallies in Bangkok and Samut Prakan during the campaign’s final phase.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkokpost 2026-01-26

 

 

The Prime Minister must be worried, someone is much more popular with the electorate than him.

I hope they check well for all those hidden loopholes that the oldguard like to use to disqualify anyone pushing them out. Hate to see Pita's personal political restrictions blow up on the party by being at rallies and speaking in public

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr Anutin said criticism of BJT circulating on social media should not be taken as a reliable indicator of public sentiment. “If we only read social media [comments], we might feel discouraged. But when we go out and meet people, we are warmly welcomed everywhere,” he said.

Not down south you weren't, last trip to Hat Yai the reception on the street was less than friendly.

21 hours ago, Dan O said:

I hope they check well for all those hidden loopholes that the oldguard like to use to disqualify anyone pushing them out. Hate to see Pita's personal political restrictions blow up on the party by being at rallies and speaking in public

Cart before horse.

Whether or not PP can garner enough votes to be viewed as a threat is still to be seen

My wife was just saying earlier today that she wasn't going to vote, as whatever party she votes for gets disqualified anyway. When we got home, she looked at her youtube news, Pita was doing his song and dance, so now she will be voting again. I am sure she wasn't the only one re-energized by his "return".

I guess he has been teaching at Howard University for a bit, and I said to her, "You vote conservative republican in the states, absolutely despise liberal dems, but your favorite ex-candidate is teaching at a very liberal black university, and his politics are the same." There was no answer, crickets. 😄 I thought it was funny, seeing the realization on her face.