Bangkok: Chatchart visited Patthavikorn Market, highlighting policies to stimulate the economy and boost SMEs to generate income for Bangkok residents. He also affirmed that Bangkok does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment and will take immediate legal action if information is gathered.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, a candidate for Bangkok Governor, along with Mr. Shanon Wangsaengboon and Assoc. Prof. Tawida Kamolwech, visited vendors and residents at Patthavikorn Market in Bueng Kum District to campaign and present policies for improving the economy and quality of life for Bangkok residents.
Mr. Chatchart stated that one of his key policies is the economy. In Bangkok, there are approximately 500,000 SMEs with 200 or more employees, employing over 3 million people. There are also over 1,400 other companies. Bangkok plays a crucial role in facilitating both large and small businesses. Support is needed alongside attracting investment from large corporations. He aims to increase the number of investors from 1,400 to 2,000 companies and will facilitate the operations of small businesses to make them more efficient. Furthermore, he plans to develop a central platform that aggregates the skills and services of people in each area, connecting service providers with those who need them, thereby creating economic opportunities and increasing income for Bangkok residents.
Currently, the Bueng Kum district has one large public park, and plans are underway for six more across Bangkok. Additionally, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is upgrading the quality of education in its schools, including implementing bilingual programs and incorporating AI to enhance skills. They are also creating new kindergarten classrooms to help re-enter the education system for children who have dropped out. Furthermore, they are considering establishing Health Zones to connect with the public health system for comprehensive coverage.
Mr. Chatchart also commented on the high poll results he received, saying it was a significant source of encouragement as it reflected his past work. However, he said he wasn't fixated on the survey results, because what was important was that people felt their quality of life had improved. He reiterated that he would continue to visit and meet with the people in their constituencies, even though the political situation could change at any time.
Regarding the news that a district director sexually harassed a subordinate, Mr. Chatchart affirmed that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) does not tolerate sexual harassment in any form. He stated that any information or evidence can be disclosed immediately, and the BMA is ready to conduct a transparent and fair investigation through a fact-finding committee. He emphasized, "If anyone wants to reveal information that would improve Bangkok, we welcome it. Please feel free to report any information you have."
At the same time, he denied allegations of using information operations (IO) to attack political opponents, stating that his campaign approach focuses primarily on presenting his achievements and policies and does not support attacking or slandering other individuals.
Furthermore, Mr. Chatchai said he didn't understand what the "A-gong system" meant. "In any transfer of positions, there will always be people who are dissatisfied, but they don't consider whether they themselves are capable or not. They dislike it because they disagree with our work, but I believe everything is transparent. And I feel a little sorry for A-gong because he's also been heavily criticized."
For a new form of campaign publicity, this week we collaborated with Juli Baker and Summer to create a piece called "Flowers for Everyone," displayed at Park Paragon, Asoke Interchange Building. There were only 2-3 signs displaying short messages, all within a defined budget.