PM hopeful’s double sword dance sparks buzz

Jade Donavanik, a prime ministerial candidate for the Rakchat Party, surprised many by performing a sword dance combat ritual during his visit to the shrine of King Taksin the Great in Chanthaburi province yesterday.

A video clip of him dancing with double long swords went viral, receiving mixed reactions.

It was reported that the performance was carried out in remembrance of King Taksin’s heroic deeds in restoring Thai independence, as well as in honour of the spirits of Thai warriors who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Jade said he prayed that enemies, or those harbouring ill intentions towards the country, would be defeated by their own actions. He also asked for strength to overcome political obstacles and to lead the country toward peace and prosperity, as in the past.

Jade campaigned in the province alongside his party leader, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, who is also a party prime ministerial candidate.

They visited other sacred shrines in the province as well, to seek blessings for the 2026 general election campaign.