Dr. Ae and Khun Ying Kanlaya visited Bang Phlat and Bangkok Noi to meet residents and listen to their problems. They emphasized the need for comprehensive flood solutions and warned that if left unaddressed, Bangkok could sink into the sea. They promoted policies including free education up to doctoral level, student loan debt relief, and electricity priced at 3 baht per unit.
At 07:00 on 4 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, known as Dr. Ae, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Thai Move Forward Party, along with Khun Ying Kanlaya Sophonpanich, the party’s second prime ministerial candidate, campaigned in Bang Phlat and Bangkok Noi districts of Bangkok to meet residents and hear their local concerns.
The first stop was Bang Phlat Temple, where the team engaged in discussions and closely listened to the hardships expressed by community members.
They then proceeded to Wat Mai Yai Paen to meet with Professor Dr. Phra Methee Watcharabandit, the abbot, to discuss the recurring flooding problems affecting the temple and surrounding community. The temple, located next to Bangkok Noi Canal, frequently experiences overflow and flooding annually. To address this, the temple raised its ordination hall due to persistent waterlogging and erosion under the structure. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions in the area.
The visit concluded at Wang Lang Market, where they met merchants and residents, introducing the Thai Move Forward Party’s policy proposals. The atmosphere was lively, with a warm welcome from locals who greeted, conversed, and took photos with smiles.
After campaigning, Dr. Ae, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Thai Move Forward Party, revealed that the atmosphere was warm and citizens received them positively. Many inquired about strategies to solve flooding, a major issue for communities near rivers and canals.
Dr. Ae stated that if Thailand does not comprehensively resolve flooding, especially seawater intrusion, Bangkok risks inevitably sinking into the sea. During the visit to Wat Mai Yai Paen, the abbot showed that the ordination hall had been raised four meters to escape floodwaters, underscoring the severity of the problem. Since it is impossible to raise the entire city’s ground level, systematic seawater intrusion defenses must be constructed to address the root cause.
Dr. Ae also urged the public to support Thai Move Forward Party candidates for the House of Representatives so the party can secure enough seats to push serious water management legislation and policies. He emphasized that without urgent action, Bangkok’s flooding could surpass the severity of previous floods in southern areas like Hat Yai.
In addition, Dr. Ae mentioned popular policies such as truly free education from undergraduate to doctoral levels. He stressed this is not just a promise, noting his experience as a university president and understanding that many capable Thai students lack educational opportunities.
Another key policy is student loan debt relief. Many citizens, especially small traders with low incomes, must borrow to study and face starting their adult lives burdened by debt, putting them at a disadvantage from the outset.
Regarding the policy of 3 baht per unit electricity, which citizens have questioned, Dr. Ae confirmed it is feasible through solar panel installation combined with energy storage systems such as batteries. He emphasized that Thai Move Forward Party includes experts directly in technology and energy sectors.
Meanwhile, the party also proposes a 20,000-baht public fund accessible with just an ID card to help low-income and freelance workers start businesses. Additionally, support policies for small entrepreneurs and market vendors in the SME group were presented. Currently, these vendors face delays of up to 60 days to receive payments due to credit systems. The party suggests the government pre-finance payments and reconcile later to improve business liquidity and continuity.
Dr. Ae concluded by thanking the warmly welcoming public and reiterated that if Thailand continues with old political approaches, the country will decline further. He said it is time for Thai people to unite and create constructive politics, inviting citizens to vote for Thai Move Forward Party to collectively "move forward" for a strong and sustainable Thailand.