Bangkok: A Bangkok City Council candidate representing the People's Party in the Phaya Thai district has raised concerns over the relocation of 44 polling stations, fearing the move could negatively impact voter turnout. The district office cited rain concerns as the reason for the change, which has prompted a response from Dr. Joe, the party leader, who plans to address the issue with the party.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaiwat Sathavorawichit, the People's Party's candidate for Bangkok Governor, campaigned alongside Mr. Worawit Chaisuwan, the candidate for Bangkok Metropolitan Council member for Phaya Thai, at La Villa Ari. They visited Soi Ari 1, where Mr. Worawit highlighted that 44 out of 80 polling stations in the district had been relocated. He noted that elderly residents in communities like the Uthai Rat community expressed concerns after their polling station was moved nearly a kilometer away from the end of Soi Pradipat 15 to a childcare center in Soi Pradipat 19. Additionally, a station near the Vibhavadi intersection was moved to Ruchi School, 2 kilometers away, raising worries about the accessibility for voters.

Mr. Worawit acknowledged that the relocation could lead to lower voter turnout, especially since the current ballot system is simpler, with only two ballots for the governor and Bangkok City Council members. Despite informing the party, he mentioned that no other council members had reported similar issues, suggesting fewer relocations in other districts. Mr. Chaiwat, upon learning of the situation from council members, committed to discussing the potential impact on voter turnout with the party to seek a resolution.

The campaign trail continued in Soi Ari 1, where Mr. Chaiwat and his team engaged with residents and vendors. The atmosphere was lively, with residents taking photos and offering encouragement to Mr. Chaiwat, expressing their support for his candidacy with comments like, "We're rooting for you. We hope you win."