Hat yai: Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, campaigning in Hat Yai alongside Mr. Ramadon Panjor, has been actively promoting the People's Party's vision for creating 15 new major cities, alongside appealing for public support to form a government.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thanathorn, serving as a campaign assistant for the People's Party, engaged with local business groups in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, discussing strategies for economic recovery and the restoration of the area following the recent floods. He emphasized the importance of water management strategies and boosting local business confidence to encourage reinvestment. In line with these efforts, he proposed that Hat Yai's recovery should be paired with a redesign of the city.
Mr. Thanathorn introduced a policy aimed at establishing 15 new cities to serve as regional economic hubs. He also outlined economic policies for SMEs, including startup loans, lottery-style receipts, and the Open Commerce Network (OCN) digital marketplace, which are intended to support Thai SMEs through a free trade system.
In the afternoon, Thanathorn participated in the "Awakening the Power of Songkhla, the Orange City" event, where he discussed the upcoming election with party members. Reflecting on past election results, he highlighted the Move Forward Party's success in proportional representation votes and expressed optimism about swaying voters in Hat Yai to support the People's Party in the upcoming election.
Mr. Thanathorn highlighted pressing societal issues, including high inequality, a faltering education system, overworked public health personnel, and a failing justice system. He noted the political challenges Thailand has faced over the past 20 years, marked by frequent changes in prime ministers and constitutions, as well as economic struggles with an average GDP growth of only 1% per annum over the past decade.
He expressed confidence that the People's Party could achieve the seemingly impossible by forming a government, attributing this belief to the public's recognition of the party's dedication. He cited the Progressive Social Security Fund's projected 5.8% return on investment by 2025 as a testament to their effective management. He also addressed the issue of high electricity prices, commending the party-list candidates, Mr. Woraphop Wiriyaroj and Mr. Suphachot Chaiyasat, for their unwavering efforts despite facing lawsuits from energy companies.
Mr. Thanathorn stressed the readiness of the People's Party's team, which he claimed is acknowledged by various sectors and prepared to serve the public. He also noted a significant political shift, stating that this time, the Senate would not participate in the Prime Minister's vote. He emphasized that for the election results to truly reflect the will of the people, the People's Party must secure a decisive victory against the second-place party.
Concluding his campaign speech, Mr. Thanathorn urged public support, promising a government free from corruption and a commitment to a better society for future generations. He encouraged voters to back the People's Party on both ballots, enabling them to serve as the people's voice in Hat Yai and Songkhla, and to support Nattapong Ruangpanyawut as Prime Minister.
In an interview with the press, Mr. Thanathorn noted the positive public response and emphasized the importance of swift post-flood recovery efforts in Hat Yai. He urged the government to expedite assistance measures to prevent further business closures and layoffs. He also highlighted the need for infrastructure investment to prevent future flooding and restore public and tourist confidence.
The People's Party is fielding candidates in all 9 constituencies of Songkhla, presenting a comprehensive slate of contenders to represent the region's diverse districts.