Thailand's PM Anutin staked his election on nationalism — and won

Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, arrives at the party headquarters on the day of the general election, in Bangkok, Thailand, February 8, 2026. REUTERS/Patipat Janthong

BANGKOK, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Anutin Charnvirakul stood at a ‌rally in Thailand's capital Bangkok last month and declared that his Bhumjaithai Party should be the automatic choice for any patriotic Thai in Sunday's general election.

"I ‌promise to you all that I will safeguard Thailand with my life," the 59-year-old politician said. "Just choose Bhumjaithai to guard the country, to help safeguard ‌all of our land."