Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva and Anucha Burapachaisri campaigned at Trok Mo Market, supporting Bangkok City Council candidates while addressing local vendor concerns. Vendors expressed fears about losing sidewalk space, emphasizing the significance of street food as a cultural staple of Thailand. They suggested that efforts to lower living costs should prioritize reducing fuel prices, noting that some supporters have shifted allegiance to Chatchart.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, the Democrat Party's candidate for Bangkok Governor, along with party leader Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, and other party members campaigned for Ms. Natchathanan Sapyanakon, the Bangkok Metropolitan Council candidate for Phra Nakhon district, at Trok Mo Market. They participated in the viral trend of wearing black shirts, which led to a lively atmosphere with playful interactions with the public. Local issues, particularly commerce and parking, were highlighted by the attendees.
Mr. Anucha addressed feedback from market vendors, indicating a need for better market and sidewalk organization. He emphasized that street food could coexist with Bangkok residents if organized properly, considering the unique characteristics of each area. He advocated for less stringent regulations and suggested using technology like QR codes to verify stall ownership to combat subletting issues.
Transportation was another focus, as Mr. Anucha and the Democrat Party planned to survey routes for electric boats in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem to enhance connectivity with other canals and public transport systems. Additionally, he highlighted the potential for promoting local identities through networks and applications to attract more visitors to Bangkok's iconic old town areas.
Addressing campaign popularity, Mr. Anucha noted that the recognition of candidate number 5 had increased, and he urged the Election Commission to help publicize City Council candidates' numbers. Mr. Abhisit, while campaigning, discussed the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" project with vendors, who highlighted the rising cost of living. He advocated for lowering fuel prices as a solution and criticized the government's inaction on tax and price formula issues, proposing a "profit tax" on oil refineries.
Regarding support shown in polls for Chatchart Sittipunt, Mr. Abhisit acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in the Democrat Party's agenda to attract voters. He emphasized initiatives on cannabis regulation, land use, and anti-corruption efforts as differentiating factors. He encouraged undecided voters to consider the Democrat Party's proposals, reinforcing their commitment to engaging with the electorate in the remaining campaign period.