Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul remains unimpressed by two decisive political victories by the Pheu Thai Party in northeastern provinces over other parties' candidates in local government elections.
Mr Anutin said on Tuesday that Bhumjaithai was undeterred by the main opposition party's clear wins in two provincial government elections just one month apart.
He was speaking at Government House after attending the weekly cabinet meeting as deputy prime minister and public health minister.
Pheu Thai candidates won the elections for heads of provincial administration organisations in Kalasin last month and in Roi Et on Sunday by overwheming margins. Pheu Thai leaders on Monday called for their supporters to maintain the momentum and give the party a landslide win in the general election now scheduled for early May next year.
Mr Anutin, whose registered domicile is in the northeastern province of Buri Ram, said he was confident that Bhumjaithai could protect its stronghold in lower Isan from a Pheu Thai challenge.
Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram and Surin are the main base of Bhumjaithai in the region.
Bhumjaithai is targeting all seats in Nakhon Ratchasima at the general election, and Pheu Thai faces a challenge in Si Sa Ket, where its two MPs have indicated they will defect to Bhumjaithai for the polls
Mr Anutin said the election would determine which party is the winner.
He said in Khon Kaen on Sunday that Bhumjaithai's popularity with voters was causing politicians from other parties to switch camps.
"The Bhumjaithai Party is seeing more people joining us. No one from our party has jumped ship," he said.