Bangkok: "Yotchanan" campaigned at Wat Ko Market to support the candidate for the Sai Mai district. He was greeted with hugs, kisses, and flowers from fans, who smiled shyly. He hinted at a second phase of his policies to be unveiled early next year. Meanwhile, "Chulaphan" expressed concern that if the Election Commission allows candidate changes, it could repeat past incidents of candidates being pressured to withdraw.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, the Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate, along with Mr. Julaphan Amornvivat, the party leader and also a prime ministerial candidate, visited Wat Ko Market in Sai Mai District, Bangkok, starting at 7:00 AM to campaign for Ms. Rattikan Kaewkermee, the Pheu Thai Party's candidate for Bangkok Constituency 11, and Mr. Somchai Vesaratrakul, the prospective candidate for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMA) in Sai Mai District. Also present were other Pheu Thai Party candidates for Bangkok Constituency MPs and party-list MPs. Candidates campaigning in the following areas include: Mr. Surachat Thianthong, Chatuchak (excluding Chan Kasem and Senanikom subdistricts), Lak Si (specifically Thung Song Hong subdistrict); Mr. Phumiphat Hosakul, Don Mueang; and Mr. Phurpha Thaitae, Bang Khen (specifically Tha Raeng subdistrict), Lat Phrao (specifically Chorakhe Bua subdistrict), Sai Mai (specifically Or Ngern subdistrict), in District 9. Also campaigning in the following areas are: District 10, Lak Si (specifically Talat Bang Khen subdistrict), Bang Khen (specifically Anusawari subdistrict), and Chatuchak (specifically Chan Kasem and Senanikom subdistricts).
Upon arriving, Mr. Yotsanan walked around, meeting and talking with people, introducing himself as a candidate and the Pheu Thai Party's party-list number. The atmosphere was lively, with people waiting to give him flowers and garlands, and asking to take selfies with him. One female vendor even hugged and kissed Mr. Yotsanan on the cheek, causing him to blush and smile.
In addition, Mr. Yotsanan participated in a merit-making ceremony by offering alms to monks along with other Bangkok MP candidates before campaigning until he reached the end of the market. There, he sat down for coffee and listened to the problems of the local people.
Afterward, Mr. Yotsanan gave an interview about his morning visit to the area, saying the atmosphere was lively. He observed that many people were still in Bangkok during the New Year festival, while some had returned to their provinces. He received overwhelming support today, along with the election candidates and the party's number 9, which he described as an easy number to understand, avoiding confusion and making it memorable for the Pheu Thai Party.
Regarding campaign strategies to compete against rivals, the focus will be on understanding the problems of the people in the area. Each candidate has communicated their policies, and it has been found that many of the Pheu Thai Party's policies resonate with the people. The important thing is to implement these policies immediately after receiving the people's trust on February 8th.
Mr. Yotsanan said that during his campaigning in the area, he received a very positive response from the public. Importantly, people are beginning to recognize the policies of the Pheu Thai Party, both those previously implemented and those newly introduced. This demonstrates effective communication and that the policies are reaching the people. The policy approach focuses on reducing expenses; if the economy improves, income will increase, so will spending. The party also has policies regarding housing.
'Regarding housing, this is an important issue. We have a policy in this area. Another thing is debt; everyone still has problems with this, so we need to address that first. And another thing that can be done immediately, and it's a differentiating factor, is the 20-baht flat fare policy for the entire BTS Skytrain line. This can be implemented right away. Regarding transportation in areas without the BTS, it will be a feeder system that can be linked, with a 10-baht fare. This is an important policy, and the public has responded very well,' Mr. Yoschanan said.
Mr. Chulaphan added that the policies to be released going forward are not similar to the digital wallet project, but rather focus on public welfare. These will be major policies designed to address the needs of the people and lift Thais out of poverty.
When asked whether the problems faced by key rival parties, leading to changes in Bangkok candidates, would benefit the Pheu Thai Party during the election campaign, Mr. Julapan said that the Pheu Thai Party doesn't view it as a positive factor for the party in Bangkok, as each political party must select its own candidates. He affirmed that the Pheu Thai Party has tried its best to select its candidates and acknowledged that the public might have made mistakes in the selection process, which would need to be corrected. He admitted to having two concerns: firstly, if the Election Commission allows changes to candidates, and secondly, after the changes, the public must consider which candidate and political party best represent their needs.
"The principle is to prevent changes after registration. In the past, there have been instances of bribery being used to pressure candidates to withdraw. If we allow this loophole in the future, it could lead to bigger problems. Within the Pheu Thai party, the registration process, once registered, should not allow for withdrawal," said Mr. Julaphan.
The leader of the Pheu Thai Party also commented on the incidents of campaign signs of Pheu Thai candidates in Bangkok being vandalized, stating that in all cases, it is usually the work of a single party. He said he didn't blame the candidates and believed no one ordered such actions, out of mutual respect. He added that the Pheu Thai Party, having participated in many elections, is very careful about this matter and has instructed candidates not to destroy other people's signs. As for the incidents themselves, it is the police's responsibility to investigate.