Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister candidate and leader of the Democrat Party, spearheaded a campaign alongside Mr. Sakoltee Phatthiyakul, deputy party leader, and Mr. Peerawut Pimsomrudee, candidate for Bangkok Constituency 1, in Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong district, Bangkok. The campaign focused on promoting policies to cut taxes and mitigate the high cost of living for city residents.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Abhisit emphasized Bangkok's significance as a strategic target for the Democrat Party, which has historically enjoyed substantial support in the area. Despite setbacks in the previous two elections, the party remains committed to a robust campaign effort across all constituencies, backed by new candidates confident in securing voter support.
Discussing his strategic campaign approach, Mr. Abhisit acknowledged the challenges posed by time constraints but expressed his intention to balance time between television debates, provincial rallies, and visits to Bangkok. Two major rallies in the city are scheduled for January 11th at Benjasiri Park and February 6th at the One Bangkok Forum. The party is also leveraging its resources, including list candidates and former MPs, to bolster its campaign efforts, particularly in the southern regions.
Mr. Abhisit outlined comprehensive policies tailored to the diverse needs of Bangkok's population. For salaried employees, the party aims to make the first 40,000 baht of income tax-exempt. For informal workers, the focus will be on promoting secure contracts as collateral for loans. Elderly citizens can expect increased pensions, improved housing, and opportunities to use their homes as income-generating assets. Additionally, policies will target urban living costs, addressing issues like electricity, transportation, and environmental concerns such as PM2.5 pollution. The party also plans to propose national-level solutions for flooding, collaborating with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for long-term strategies.
In response to inquiries from foreign journalists regarding his potential return to the election, Mr. Abhisit expressed the party's desire to present a fresh political alternative, moving beyond the political negotiations and agreements that have left many citizens feeling marginalized.
Mr. Abhisit shared his enthusiasm for re-engaging with the electorate, noting the warm reception from both long-time supporters and new potential voters. The Democrat Party aims to increase its vote share significantly in the party-list system, although it remains focused on securing substantial support for the party itself.
Before initiating his campaign walk to support the Tian Hua Foundation Hospital, Mr. Abhisit was greeted with marigold garlands by citizens, followed by a respectful visit to the hospital shrine. The campaign event received an enthusiastic response from the local community. At a famous fish porridge restaurant in Plaeng Nam, a vendor celebrated his arrival, while supporters chanted "Number 9!" near the Scala Chinatown Shark Fin Restaurant, to which Mr. Abhisit responded warmly, crossing the street to engage with them, contributing to a lively campaign atmosphere.