Bangkok: "Prasert" confirms three prime ministerial candidates on the party list, preparing to unveil all 500 MPs on December 25th.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, addressed the list of Pheu Thai MPs that appeared in the media, which included the party's prime ministerial candidate. He stated that the party's executive committee discussed last week that the party's candidate should be on the list, and therefore approached the prime ministerial candidate, who accepted. The order of the names will be considered again. The names currently appearing publicly are only listed alphabetically. The final ranking will be decided in the next one to two days before the registration on December 28th.
Mr. Prasert indicated that the three prime ministerial candidates should be at the top of the list due to their significance within the party. For the launch of both constituency and party-list candidates, he stated that all 400 constituency candidates have completed the party's selection process. These candidates will be officially launched on December 25th at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters.
Regarding the campaign, Mr. Prasert mentioned that after the registration process is complete, the Pheu Thai Party will immediately start campaigning. However, campaigning and rallies have already commenced in several regions, with a major rally scheduled in Bangkok. Despite current polls in Bangkok showing nearly 50% undecided, Mr. Prasert expressed confidence in securing votes from this segment after the campaign begins. He attributed this confidence to the party's prime ministerial candidate, who enjoys high popularity and shows improving poll results.
The rise in popularity of Prime Minister candidate Yotsanu Wongsawat was also addressed by Mr. Prasert. He noted discussions have taken place regarding the candidate's increasing popularity, which is attributed to his youth, knowledge, and professorship. Mr. Yotsanu's candidacy under the Pheu Thai Party is seen as mutually beneficial due to the party's strong voter base.
Mr. Prasert is optimistic about Yotsanu's ability to attract votes from undecided voters, citing positive feedback received during campaigning. He urged the public to follow the movements and policies of the Pheu Thai Party, noting that this time the policies have undergone a rigorous selection process, which he believes will instill public confidence.
Mr. Prasert also outlined the election registration schedule, assigning party leaders to various areas. On December 27th, Mr. Yoschanan will lead the registration day for constituency MPs in Bangkok. Other leaders, including Mr. Julaphan Amornvivat, Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Mr. Prasert, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, and Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, will oversee registrations in cities like Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, and Sukhothai, respectively. On December 28th, all candidates will register for the party-list MPs simultaneously.
Lastly, Mr. Prasert addressed the resignation of Mr. Chaturon Chaisang as chairman of the Pheu Thai Party's strategic committee. Mr. Chaturon expressed a desire to focus on the referendum and the constitution as the election approaches. The party supports his initiative and confirmed his continued affiliation with the party. The strategic committee remains unchanged, with the vice-chairman serving as acting chairman while discussions for a new chairman are underway.