Bangkok: The drawing of candidate numbers for party-list Members of Parliament (MPs) has concluded, with party leaders expressing satisfaction over the outcome, indicating no hindrance to their campaign efforts.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narong Klanwarin, Chairman of the Election Commission, oversaw the registration process for party-list MP candidates and the nomination of potential Prime Ministers by political parties. A total of 52 political parties had registered their intent by the 8:30 AM deadline. The results of the lottery draw for candidate numbers saw the Rak Chart Party receiving number 35, the Pheu Thai Party number 9, and the Thai Bhakdi Party number 29. Notably, the New Thai Party was assigned number 49, while the New Democratic Party received number 8, and the Liberal Thai Party number 12.
The Democrat Party was assigned number 27, the New Alternative Party number 10, and the Kla Tham Party number 42. Additional assignments included the Bhumjaithai Party with number 37, the National Party number 33, and the Dynamic Party with number 7. The Thai Sang Thai Party was designated number 48, Palang Pracharath Party number 43, and the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party number 6.
The registration event took place at the Vayupak Conference Room of the Centara Life Hotel, characterized by bustling activity as candidates from various political parties verified documents amidst tight security measures provided by over 200 police officers. Additionally, political parties submitted their lists of prime ministerial candidates.
The Pheu Thai Party nominated Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Mr. Julapan Amornvivat, and Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit. The People's Party put forward Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, and Mr. Veerayuth Kanchuchat. The Democrat Party nominated Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Mr. Korn Chatikavanij, and Ms. Kardee Leowpairoj. Meanwhile, the Bhumjaithai Party presented Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul and Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, and the Kla Tham Party nominated Captain Thamanat Phromphao.
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, commented on the draw, stating that while number 37 was special, the number itself was not of primary importance. He emphasized their campaign's focus on policy-driven initiatives. Yotsanan Wongsawat of the Pheu Thai Party expressed delight with number 9, considering it auspicious and historically significant due to its association with former party leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr. Nattapong from the People's Party mentioned that there was no issue with securing a two-digit number, as the public would not be confused, and his campaign strategy was ready. Captain Thamanat of the Kla Tham Party indicated contentment with his number, suggesting that higher numbers are advantageous since major parties have two-digit numbers.
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed satisfaction with number 27, a number personally significant to him, correlating to his age when first elected as an MP and his tenure as Thailand's 27th Prime Minister. He assured that voters would not face confusion at the polls.