Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, while insisting that his Monday visit to Buri Ram -- a Bhumjaithai Party stronghold -- was not politically motivated, pledged before large crowds gathered at Chang Arena to turn this lower northeastern province into a sports and tourism hub.
Speaking to a packed stadium, Gen Prayut said the crowd was the largest live audience he had ever addressed during his tenure as prime minister.
He said the government aims to steer Buri Ram, with its large football arena and huge motorsport circuit, towards becoming a venue for international sporting events in the region.
The government will also improve infrastructure in the province as well as roads that connect Buri Ram to nearby Chaiyaphum and Surin provinces, the prime minister said.
He said that the government aims to upgrade and expand Buri Ram airport to support the increasing amount of tourists expected in the province over the next three years.
Thailand is set to play host to international MotoGP championship races at Buri Ram's Chang International Circuit developed by veteran local politician Newin Chidchob.
The crowd of about 30,000, mainly Buri Ram residents, erupted into cheers and chanted "Uncle Tu! Fight, fight!" when Gen Prayut walked onto the football field wearing traditional costume on top of his suit along with Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and other cabinet members.
Spotted walking alongside Gen Prayut and his team was politician-turned-football club owner Mr Newin, the former leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, who organised the welcome.
It was the largest turnout since the prime minister embarked on his upcountry trips with a general election on the horizon.
Prior to this trip, speculation was rife that the PM would court Mr Newin as part of the regime's bid to lure small- and medium-sized parties to join a military-backed party that would support Gen Prayut to return as prime minister after an election expected in February next year.
Gen Prayut told the Buri Ram crowd that he came here to check on the region's development and listen to its people.
"I stress here again that my visit is not politically motivated. I come here to meet you. I love everybody," he told the crowd in Chang Arena.
Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, denied that the crowds in the stadium were "mobilised" to lend support to the premier.
"When the cabinet travels here, it's a big event and we have to give a welcome," he said.
The Bhumjaithai leader also insisted that his appearance had no political implications, saying he turned up as a courtesy to the guests.
Asked if those who turned up at the arena could become a political support base, he said his party's popularity was nothing new in Buri Ram or several other provinces.
"Today it's about people. I came to see in case I want to hold a political rally here," he said.
He also asserted that is was too early to discuss alliances or deals with the general election still a long way off.
When asked if he would support Gen Prayut, he replied: "I wouldn't comment or act when I don't know for sure. It will become clear when I know how many [House] seats I have in my pocket."
He also said the Bhumjaithai Party would appeal to voters with its policy platforms, not its "direction".
Mr Newin declined to discuss politics as he told reporters not to ask such questions.
"No political agenda today. Just the people's agenda. No politics. Period."
Mr Newin and other organisers denied they had mobilised the crowd of 30,000, and insisted everyone showed up simply to welcome the cabinet. The biggest crowd the prime minister ever has faced shouted 'Uncle Tu! Fight, fight!'.
Earlier in the day, Gen Prayut led his cabinet ministers in visiting the Chong Jom border crossing in Surin where he observed trade activities.
The border point saw trade volume of a little over 3 billion baht last year and most commodities that passed through the channel were fuel, fruit juice and soda drinks.
Due to its growth, business experts estimated that trade volume at Chong Jom will increase to 10 billion baht over the next five years.
After being briefed and greeted, Gen Prayut stressed the need for local authorities to pursue regular talks with neighbouring Cambodia to promote trade and economic activities.
Gen Prayut also joined the crowds in singing Return Happiness to Thailand during the visit.
Thanom Chotemanee, a 54-year-old farmer, said she was very proud to meet the premier on Monday.
"I have always liked him but until now, I could only see him on television."
When asked whether she would vote for the prime minister if he were to run in the next election, she said she would because she likes his military background.
"I like soldiers. They are frank and combative," she said.
She added that so far, she thinks he and his government have performed well.
However, Gen Prayut's speech and interaction with locals in Surin was brief. He was seen chatting with them for about 10 minutes only.
After his rock-star welcome at Chang Arena, the prime minister will today preside over a meeting on the economic and social development of the Lower Northeastern provincial cluster at Buriram Rajabhat University.
