Sukhothai: Yotsanan and Somsak campaigned in Sawankhalok, appealing to Sukhothai residents to vote for Pheu Thai in all four constituencies to nominate them as Prime Minister. They pointed out that water management requires a systemic approach, with major investments to help farmers in water-affected areas receive worthwhile returns. They emphasized that this is achievable and that managing debt across the system will not affect fiscal discipline. They declared that Pheu Thai is a money-maker, not just a spendthrift.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Yotsanu Wongsawat, the Pheu Thai Party's prime minister candidate, along with Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, a list candidate, Mr. Chai Wacharong, a candidate for Member of Parliament, and Mr. Nattawut Saikua, a campaign assistant, visited Sukhothai Province to campaign for the party's four parliamentary candidates in Sukhothai Province: Ms. Nakhanang Kulnathasiri (Constituency 1), Mr. Chusak Kirimasthong (Constituency 2), Ms. Prapaporn Thongpaknam (Constituency 3), and Mr. Chakrawan Chaiwirat (Constituency 4).
At the first stop, Mr. Yotsanun led his delegation to meet with the public and hold a rally at Sukhothai Agricultural and Technological College in Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province. The atmosphere was lively, with a large crowd attending the rally, filling the entire indoor sports arena of the college. Along the way, people lined the streets to present Mr. Yotsanun with garlands of marigolds and asked to take selfies with him.
Mr. Yotsanan said that he wanted to introduce himself as a son of Sukhothai. He said that many people he's met have told him they don't know why they feel such a connection with him. He asked them if they had ever met him before, and some said they hadn't, but had seen him near utility poles. Today, he's here to meet the people of Sukhothai in person to reiterate that Sukhothai is red with the Pheu Thai Party, and that no matter how many times the party is dissolved, it will always return stronger. Most importantly, its spirit remains unchanged; the heart of the Pheu Thai Party is the people. This time, he asked if they could win all four constituencies in Sukhothai.
Mr. Yotsanan said that today there are many problems, people are suffering, and our country needs experienced people to manage it. If the Pheu Thai Party comes into power, they can immediately overhaul Thailand and bring about immediate change. Sukhothai can change immediately too. February 8th is a historic day, a day of hope for everyone. He is ready to lead the way. If given the opportunity, Yotsanan will turn everyone's dreams into reality. Many things can be improved, but last time there was no political stability. This time, to secure a decisive victory and implement good policies for the people, they need to win all four constituencies. He asked if he could stay here permanently, as he doesn't want to go anywhere else, and asked to be considered a son of Sukhothai.
Mr. Yotsanan reiterated various policies, such as debt management, stating that the Pheu Thai government must resolve the debt problems of everyone, including households. Informal debt must be eliminated, and he is confident that this will not affect fiscal discipline because the Pheu Thai party knows how to raise funds; it doesn't just spend money. Regarding the debt moratorium for farmers, which many have asked about, he answered clearly that it will definitely continue.
At one point, Mr. Yotsanan said, "Let's give a round of applause to those who come up with good policies," before turning to look at Mr. Somsak Thepsutin and saying, "Today, you can rest assured. We have a highly capable individual who has been with us all along. He's knowledgeable in agriculture and health, like Mr. Somsak. The people of Sukhothai are truly fortunate. Last time, he oversaw the Ministry of Public Health, and the 30-baht universal healthcare policy was successfully implemented. Today, we're continuing that with 30-baht AI, which will assist in telemedicine to care for all citizens."
Furthermore, Mr. Yotsanan also addressed the flooding problem, stating that they are preparing a comprehensive system to prevent future flooding and transform Sukhothai into a livable city. He explained that the flooding is caused by the upstream forests. He noted that in the North, if the upstream forests are not restored, the water will flow too fast. Crucially, the Yom River currently lacks dams to slow the water flow. Therefore, restoring the upstream forests and constructing dams to slow the Yom River is essential. Subsequently, when the water reaches the area, it must be diverted to prevent it from entering the city as much as possible.
Another thing is that we have to live with water. Some areas are watersheds. But today, we are trying to ensure that those affected by these watershed areas receive fair compensation during the period when they cannot farm.
"Once we manage water resources systematically, we can return to agricultural activities. Therefore, the water issue needs a complete overhaul and a major investment. Many people talk about water, but how many can raise the money and implement such a project like the Pheu Thai Party We will focus on digging small ponds so that farmers can have water available throughout the year," Mr. Yoschanan stated.
Mr. Yotsanan also stated that he had another matter to mention regarding the welfare and quality of life for everyone. He emphasized the need for a functioning and clean water supply system, as well as addressing issues such as damaged roads and poor lighting. He acknowledged that the government alone might not be able to solve these problems comprehensively, and that they are ready to return as much power to local authorities as possible, increasing local budgets for self-management, and continuing the SML Village Development Fund project.
Mr. Yotsanan concluded by saying that regarding the drug problem, "Just as the Pheu Thai Party was out of power for a short time, drugs have returned. I declare here, with our honor, that if the Pheu Thai Party returns, within three months we will have the administrative and police forces conduct a thorough search of every area, remove all drug users from villages, and implement a 'One Province, One Rehabilitation Center' project. Within three to six months, we will arrest all drug dealers and producers, eliminating them from Sukhothai, no matter which country they are in. We will track them down and eradicate them completely. This is something we haven't accomplished before. Any border fence that is at risk must be closed to prevent them from re-entering. Enough with drugs! Enough with scammers! We will not stop until we protect our children and the sovereignty of Thailand."
Mr. Yotchanan further stated that he couldn't work alone because standing by himself would be lonely. He also said it would be impossible to bring all his parents, siblings, and everyone from Sukhothai with him, so he asked if he could bring four representatives. He said that today, if the right side is chosen, then choosing Pheu Thai means getting Yotchanan as Prime Minister. They can't choose any other party; they can't afford to make a mistake. They must remain steadfast in the final two weeks. In addition to asking for votes for the four constituency MPs, he also asked for votes for the party-list MPs, electing Yotchanan as Prime Minister, and making Sukhothai a red-shirt nation.
Meanwhile, Mr. Somsak stated that Mr. Yotsanun, the Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate, is an engineer, similar to China, where engineers as leaders transformed the country from a low-income nation to a high-income one. He expressed confidence that Mr. Yotsanun, being an engineer, would effectively solve various problems. He also mentioned that based on nationwide public opinion, the Pheu Thai Party is currently leading, though not overwhelmingly, and urged the public to vote decisively for the party to fully implement its policies. He assured the public that the Pheu Thai Party can successfully implement its policies, citing past successes such as the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. He further explained that the party has intensified its policies this election, including combating scammers and drug trafficking at their core. Additionally, the party will continue its efforts to address the flooding problem, following the approval of over 3.5 billion baht by former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Sh inawatra for the flood prevention project on the right bank of the Yom River to assist the people of Sukhothai.
Mr. Yotsanan then traveled to Wangyai Bridge in Sri Samrong District, Sukhothai Province, to listen to concerns regarding water management and flood prevention measures in the area. Upon arrival, a number of Sukhothai residents were waiting to welcome him, presenting him with garlands of marigolds and various snacks such as banana chips, rice crackers, and other treats. They shouted "Professor Chen! Professor Chen! Professor Chen!" while wishing him success in becoming Prime Minister and reminding him not to forget the people of Sukhothai if he were to become the Prime Minister.
At this point, Mr. Yotsanan listened to concerns regarding riverbank erosion during floods, as well as