Anutin, accompanied by Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and other senior party members, met residents and vendors at the Fresh Market in Phuket Town, drawing large crowds of supporters, tourists and locals eager to greet the delegation and take photographs.
During media interviews, Anutin rejected claims that problems involving foreign tourists driving recklessly were linked to Thailand’s visa-free entry policy, insisting the issue lay instead with discipline and enforcement.
He said authorities, particularly traffic police, must strictly apply existing laws to all road users without exception.
“The problem is not visas, it is discipline,” Mr Anutin said, adding that law enforcement agencies had been instructed to act firmly and consistently.
Addressing questions on the Thai-Cambodian border situation, Anutin said national sovereignty remained a core issue for all Thais and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
He stressed that Thailand would not allow any encroachment on its land, saying his work was guided by principles of equality and duty rather than political advantage. He likened political responsibility to a golf competition, saying success depended on equal skill, rules and effort for everyone.
Mr Phiphat, meanwhile, focused on Phuket’s long-standing traffic congestion, confirming that the tunnel project had not been cancelled and that there was a clear government policy against charging toll fees for its use.
He explained that the project was currently undergoing legal procedures due to the caretaker government period, but remained part of the administration’s transport plans.
Mr Phiphat also outlined short-term measures aimed at easing congestion, including increasing the number of traffic lanes where possible, adjusting U-turn points to reduce the number of traffic lights, and expanding public transport options.
He said the government was also promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of efforts to reduce traffic density and improve air quality on the island.
As part of the visit, Anutin actively campaigned for Bhumjaithai’s Phuket candidates, particularly Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, who is contesting Constituency 1. He was joined by Mr Phiphat, the party’s southern regional commander, and former Government Spokesperson Traisulee Traisaranakul, a party-list candidate.
The atmosphere at the market was lively, with vendors and residents calling out to Anutin, offering flowers and posing for photos. Several people remarked that it was their first time seeing him in person, while others wished him success in the upcoming election.
Some vendors raised questions about the party’s economic policies, prompting Anutin to explain the ‘Khon La Khrueng Plus’ (Half-Half Plus) scheme, which he said builds on existing cost-of-living support measures by expanding coverage to more goods and areas.
He said the policy was designed to reduce household expenses while strengthening the grassroots economy.
Residents also raised concerns about border issues during the walkabout. Anutin reassured them, saying he did not want to see border checkpoints reopened unnecessarily and urged people not to worry.
Later, supporters presented him with flower garlands and offered words of encouragement, expressing hopes that the Bhumjaithai Party would secure a strong election result.
Before leaving the market, Anutin briefly mounted a bicycle bearing the candidate’s campaign signage, holding up his fingers to indicate the candidate’s number, before cycling out to continue meeting residents in surrounding areas.
Anutin spent more than an hour engaging with the public during his Phuket visit, which also included paying respects at a local shrine.
The Bhumjaithai Party’s Phuket candidates are Ploytalay Laksmisangchan for Constituency 1, Sanakorn Kisin for Constituency 2, and Wiwat Jindaphol for Constituency 3.