Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra took to the stage to address a large crowd at Sri Nakharam Temple in the Kumphwapi district of Udon Thani yesterday, as he campaigned in support of Sarawut Phetphanomporn, a candidate in the Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) mayoral election.
Thaksin asked people to vote for Sarawut, adding that if they cannot remember the candidate’s name, just remember his candidate number, 2.
Thaksin told the audience about the current government’s policies, including the 10,000-baht handout under the “digital wallet” scheme, its debt restructuring plan, illegal narcotic suppression and promotion of education.
He also told the audience that the government’s policies will make people happier, adding that he believes the Thai economy will improve next year.
This was Thaksin’s first public campaigning in 18 years, following his self-imposed exile abroad to avoid incarceration.
Meanwhile, core members of the opposition People’s party were in this north-eastern province to campaign for their candidate, Kanisorn Khurirang.
The former prime minister will continue campaigning today. He was in the shirt that he used to wear about two decades ago, when he toured the provinces during his premiership. He told the media that he specifically chose to wear this shirt, which had recently been taken out of the closet and washed.
He is scheduled to attend a campaign rally in a market in Ban Dung district today, and another in Thung Sri Muang this evening.
