Bangkok: Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has assured that the dissolution of parliament will not impact the M9 highway project. The plan, which is part of the 2026 budget, has already passed the review stage. Pipat, a leading figure in the Bhumjaithai Party, expressed confidence in the party's popularity in the southern region, expecting the return of 31 incumbent MPs to parliament. He also mentioned that Anutin Charnvirakul, the party leader, will soon give speeches in four major southern provinces.
According to Thai News Agency, Pipat provided an update on the progress of the Bang Khun Thian - Bang Bua Thong (M9) elevated intercity expressway project. He confirmed that the project is already included in the 2026 budget plan and is not a new initiative, allowing it to move forward for Cabinet consideration.
The 2026 fiscal year started on October 1st and is now in its second quarter. The budget for the M9 project has been allocated, with legal aspects reviewed by relevant agencies, including the Office of the Council of State. It is ready for submission to the Cabinet meeting.
All necessary procedures, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, have been completed and approved. Pipat assured that the election atmosphere or the dissolution of parliament would not affect the project since it is already part of the 2026 budget, with no additional funding required. He clarified that new projects not in the budget plan cannot proceed, which is not the case with the M9 project.
Pipat emphasized that while some projects can wait, others, especially those already planned, should not be delayed. He expressed no concern about potential legal challenges.
Politically, Pipat assessed that the Bhumjaithai Party remains confident in securing at least 31 elected candidates in the southern region. He highlighted that the 14 southern provinces have seen limited development over the past 30 years and that electing Bhumjaithai Party MPs would facilitate more infrastructure projects and budget allocations.
Pipat underscored the role of Members of Parliament in channeling projects and budgets to provinces, citing Buriram and Suphanburi as examples of successful development through infrastructure improvements.
He noted that securing budget allocations for regional development is crucial for administrators and should not face criticism. More MPs from the Bhumjaithai Party in the southern region would enable concrete budget allocations to the 14 provinces.
Regarding the Democrat Party's increased popularity following Abhisit Vejjajiva's return as leader and prime minister candidate, Pipat acknowledged the traditional voter base of the Democrat Party in the South. However, he noted the Bhumjaithai Party's growing popularity since 2019, with an increase in seats expected in the upcoming election.
Focusing on the February 8, 2026 election, Pipat expressed confidence that the party's 31 incumbent MPs would return to the House of Representatives and that the party would strive to fulfill its promises to the public.
Pipat mentioned that Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to hold rallies in major southern provinces, including Phuket, Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Campaigning in other areas will depend on invitations from regional candidates, and the party leader is expected to conduct nationwide campaigns.