Bangkok: "Free Step" procession of over 100 tuk-tuks filled Benjakitti Park, pleading for just...
According to Thai News Agency, Kao Issara (Independent Step) mobilized a convoy of over 100 tuk-tuks in Benjakitti Park, pleading for "half a heart" to vote for number 22 on the pink ballot. They announced their stance on switching all public transportation to 100% electric vehicles (EVs) to combat PM2.5 and restore clean air for the public. They asked the public to support "Kao Issara" in its work, after being behind the scenes for a long time, in order to improve the lives of Thai people.
Ms. Kochaporn Weroj, leader of the Move Forward Party, prime minister candidate, and party-list number 22, spoke about a symbolic event under the campaign 'Green Thailand with EV Transportation.' This involved a massive gathering of over 100 tuk-tuks at the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum to promote the policy of fully electrifying public transport vehicles. This is considered a key factor in sustainably addressing air pollution, focusing on eliminating PM2.5 sources and reducing noise pollution in urban areas to restore clean air and improve the quality of life for citizens. The aim is to preserve the charm and unique character of the Thai tuk-tuk while promoting it as a clean energy vehicle. This follows a similar campaign promoting electric public transport held in Chiang Mai.
Ms. Kochaporn emphasized the core message of the event: creating a new visual identity through a parade of 100 tuk-tuks amidst a forest park in the middle of the city at sunset. This is a sustainable solution to air pollution, as she defines clean air as a right, not something to be asked for, but something the government must provide. She views PM2.5 as a silent threat that could become a cancer to society, and therefore is committed to converting all public transport vehicles to electric (EV) systems. This includes tuk-tuks, a symbol of Thailand, which must be preserved without harming the lungs of Thai people. She also stressed the need for buses and coaches to use clean energy so that everyone can breathe freely.
Ms. Kochaporn also discussed the economic vision of the Move Forward Party, stating that it will not focus on handouts, but rather on reducing the burden of fuel, electricity, and household expenses, and generating sustainable income for the country. Regarding Thai education, she emphasized the need for adaptation to the modern world, saying, "We must stop confining children to classrooms in subjects they don't enjoy." She wants to see a "shortcut" education system that is efficient and allows children to choose their studies based on their aptitudes immediately. Those who enjoy sports, music, or languages should be able to pursue those paths directly, so that they grow up to be high-quality individuals who are happy in their careers, rather than wasting their lives studying subjects that don't suit them.
Ms. Kochaporn further stated that the Move Forward Party also announces its intention to expedite the payment of outstanding compensation to the public, including COVID-19 insurance payments, disaster relief funds from floods and earthquakes, and compensation and allowances for soldiers on the border, so that they can sustain their lives after experiencing such severe hardship.
Ms. Kochaporn also appealed to voters looking for a new alternative, saying, "I only ask for half your heart" when voting for the Move Forward Party, number 22, on the pink ballot. Please give our small party a chance to have a voice in parliament. I want to prove myself through 28 years of hard work behind the scenes. Today, I'm asking for a chance to work on behalf of the Thai people in parliament, to make the voices of rescue workers and volunteers loud enough to change the lives of Thai people for the better.