Anutin Charnvirakul, left, and Varawut Silpa-archa in Suphan Buri on Saturday. Bhumjaithai Party

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party, announced Varawut Silpa-archa has been nominated as the party’s third-ranked candidate on the party-list ballot.

Addressing supporters in Suphan Buri on Saturday, Mr Anutin called on voters to remember and support Bhumjaithai in the forthcoming general election.

Mr Anutin then confirmed that, in addition to the five constituency candidates, Mr Varawut would stand as the party’s third-ranked party-list candidate, following the party leader and secretary-general. Mr Varawut responded with a respectful wai before embracing Mr Anutin.

Mr Anutin presided over the opening of the BJT’s Suphan Buri branch office in Muang district. Upon arrival, he warmly greeted a large crowd of supporters who had gathered to welcome him.

He donned a traditional Karen ethnic shirt from Dan Chang district that was presented to him by residents and repeatedly made the party’s signature "Bhumjaithai Plus" gesture, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Supporters later embraced him and tied traditional pha khao ma cloths around his waist as a sign of welcome.

Mr Varawut, a Bhumjaithai party-list candidate, delivered welcoming remarks, saying he was delighted to be campaigning alongside "a beloved elder brother", together with all five constituency candidates in Suphan Buri and Udom Berkfa, president of the Suphan Buri provincial administrative organisation.

He emphasised unity, declaring that "the blood of Suphan Buri goes together wherever it flows".

In his address, Mr Anutin expressed deep gratitude to the people of Suphan Buri, describing the occasion as an auspicious start to the election campaign.

Speaking as party leader, he said Bhumjaithai remained closely connected to the political legacy of the late former prime minister and Suphan Buri veteran politician Banharn Silpa-archa, noting that many BJT members had previously served under the Chart Thai Party, which was later renamed as Chartthaipattana.

Mr Anutin added that Banharn had once summoned him and told him that, wherever he might go in the future, he should take Mr Varawut, Banharn’s son, with him.

Today, he said, he wished to make it clear that he had fully complied with Banharn’s instruction.

Mr Anutin said the two parties shared the same roots and a long-standing commitment to the province’s development.

Mr Anutin said he had come to Suphan Buri to strengthen the province and carry forward Banharn’s vision for continued prosperity.

He said that when development work was undertaken in Buri Ram, the Suphan Buri model had been used as a reference, as many of the political figures in Buri Ram had previously come from the Chart Thai Party.