Phuket: Bhumjaithai Party unveiled three prospective Phuket MP candidates, preparing to contest the election after the House of Representatives is dissolved. They are also actively seeking candidates from 14 southern provinces, with a clear launch planned for mid-next month. They aim for 30 seats, insisting that they will not violate the MoA, and are seeking peace of mind for the People's Party.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, a southern leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, along with Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, Chairman of the Legal Working Group, announced the candidates for Phuket's three constituencies: Ms. Ploythala Laksami Saengchan, former executive director and deputy spokesperson for the Democrat Party; Mr. Sanakorn Kisin, former deputy mayor of Patong Municipality; and Mr. Wiwat Jindapol, former Phuket Provincial Council member.
Mr. Supachai stated that the three individuals will join forces with the Bhumjaithai Party to secure victory in the upcoming election within the next six months.
Mr. Pipat mentioned that the Bhumjaithai Party had approached candidates in all three districts of Phuket Province. Previously, the party's policy under Mr. Saksayam Chidchob as Minister of Transport focused on addressing traffic congestion, though his term concluded before achieving this goal.
Regarding the upcoming election, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has consistently indicated that after the oath of office and policy statement to Parliament, it will be considered a countdown, with Parliament to be dissolved in four months, as per the MoA with the Prachachon Party. He has been offered the Prime Minister's position to oversee the Ministry of Transport, addressing traffic congestion concerns in Phuket. Once the details are finalized, he plans to visit Phuket.
Phuket, being the second-largest province in tourism revenue after Bangkok, is a focus area for increasing income and transforming it into the "Pearl of the World."
Regarding additional MP candidates from the South, Mr. Pipat stated that he is overseeing 14 southern provinces. He has invited friends with similar ideologies to join, including a member from Songkhla Province. Among the Andaman provinces, Phuket has already joined.
In Trang Province, former MP Somchai Lohsathapornpipit mentioned plans to discuss future steps with former Democrat Party leader Chalermchai Sri-on. Constituencies 1 and 2 in Trang Province have already decided to join the Bhumjaithai Party.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, discussions are ongoing with various groups, unlike the unified approach in Phuket Province.
For the three southern border provinces, it is expected that once the government's policy statement is finalized, decisions on joining the Bhumjaithai Party will follow. Currently, there is one MP from Narathiwat and candidates in almost every district in the three southern border provinces, with a final decision anticipated by mid-next month.
When questioned about the target of 30 seats in the southern region, Mr. Pipat affirmed his commitment to this goal. He emphasized the need for development opportunities in the southern region, noting the recent introduction of a four-lane road.
Mr. Pipat reassured that the approach to candidates does not violate the MoA with the Prachachon Party. He underscored that preparing candidates for the election is a standard procedure and that the Bhumjaithai Party will abide by the MoA while ensuring peace of mind for Prachachon Party members.