People’s party unconcerned by Thaksin, ready to face Pheu Thai in PAO elections

Photo: People’s party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut stands with his party's candidates for the PAO elections

The opposition People’s party is ready to challenge the ruling Pheu Thai party in the PAO mayoral elections, and is not worried by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s campaigning in support of Pheu Thai candidates, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, People’s party leader, said today.

The party introduced 12 of its candidates for the PAO elections in 12 provinces to the media today.

Natthaphong said that, besides the 12 candidates, two more are in the process of contesting PAO elections, one in Udon Thani this Sunday, adding that 4 or 5 more candidates are to be unveiled later.

He said that the party will highlight five policies in the elections, including clean water, improved public transport and public health services, education and transparency in the use of budgets by local administrative organisations.

Regarding Thaksin helping to campaign for the Pheu Thai candidate in Udon Thani province, Natthaphong said that anyone can help in the campaign, adding that he would welcome core party members joining the election campaign.

The People’s party candidates include Phan-at Chairat in Chiang Mai, Veeradej Phuphisit in Lamphun, Cholatee Noomnu in Trat, Lersak Leenanithikul in Phuket, Suthichoke Thongchumnoom in Phang-nga, Nirun Chindanark in Songkhla, Noppadol Somyanonthanakul in Samut Prakan and Lertmongkol Waravenuch in Nonthaburi.