Mr Pita is the former leader of the Move Forward Party, the PP’s defunct predecessor. The ruling Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party and the PP are neck and neck to take the lead in the Feb 8 general election, according to opinion polls.
Speaking at Khong Ta Pheng Market in Nakhon Sawan on Saturday (Jan 24), Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the BJT, dismissed concerns over the PP being galvanised by Mr Pita’s presence in campaign events, reports the Bangkok Post.
Anutin, also prime minister, brushed aside criticism on social media against his party as an attempt to dent his party’s rising popularity in some constituencies.
“If we only read social media [comments], we might feel discouraged. But when we go out and meet people, we are warmly welcomed everywhere.
“That’s when we know much of [the online criticism] is fake news,” he said.
On Mr Pita’s return and the resurfacing of his controversial and dismissive remarks about the role of the military, Anutin responded cautiously, saying it was possible such rhetoric could re-emerge but declined to comment further.
Mr Pita on Jan 23 posted a photo on Facebook showing him on a flight back to Thailand with the caption “Okay, see you” with a flame emoji.
Many of the PP’s MP candidates commented, inviting him to campaign in their constituencies.
He was scheduled to appear at a “Believe in the People” rally at Samyan Mitrtown yesterday in Bangkok before heading to Samut Prakan.
Earlier, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chair of the Progressive Movement, said Mr Pita’s return was planned for the campaign’s final stretch, following an outreach to Thai voters overseas.