Weerayut, Palang Prachachon's prime ministerial candidate, is assisting candidates in Bang Na and Phra Khanong with campaigning. He promotes the "receipt lottery" policy aimed at bringing purchasing power back to small markets and stresses that today is the final day for early voter registration, encouraging the public to exercise their voting rights as much as possible.
On 5 January 2026 at Mahasin Market in Bang Na district, Mr. Weerayut Kanchuchat, deputy leader of the Palang Prachachon party and its prime ministerial candidate, joined campaigning activities alongside Mr. Chonlathorn Sapphaiboonlert, the party's candidate for Bangkok's Phra Khanong–Bang Na constituency, number 15. Before the campaign event began, Weerayut spoke to the media, introducing the candidate and emphasizing the importance of early voting registration for those unable to vote on 8 February 2026.
Weerayut said he wants to invite all people who cannot vote on 8 February 2026 or who are outside their home constituencies to register today, 5 January 2026, which is the last day for early voting registration. He noted that there are several ways to register, but expressed concern that the number of registered early voters is still much lower than in 2023.
He added that this election involves three ballots, yet many people remain unaware of the third ballot for the referendum. He said the Election Commission (EC) should increase publicity efforts and facilitate voting access for everyone. He also urged voters, whether voting early or on election day, to participate in the referendum, supporting a new constitution. He stressed that the constitution affects everyone’s economic and political lives, and without constitutional reform, Thailand cannot unlock itself from prolonged political instability.
Weerayut then introduced Chonlathorn, describing him as a lawyer who graduated from Thammasat University and earned a master’s degree in the Netherlands. He works in human rights and environmental issues and is ready to represent the people of Bang Na and Phra Khanong. Weerayut said there are many issues to advance, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Act, which would grant the city more authority and tools to solve public problems such as public transport. He also proposed that district directors be elected, acting like district mayors to better serve local residents.
However, Weerayut emphasized that this election is also about choosing a new government. Changing just Bang Na and Phra Khanong is insufficient; the government must change as well. Over the past decade, governments of all colors have been seen, and he asked for a chance for the orange government to make changes. Palang Prachachon has many good policies to offer, such as the receipt lottery. From conversations with many vendors, he heard that purchasing power vanished when the half-price co-payment scheme ended. The party’s receipt lottery policy aims to draw purchasing power back to local market shops and SMEs. Spending 500 baht would give a chance to win twice a month. If sustained, this would bring purchasing power to small vendors rather than just large retailers.
Weerayut also addressed media questions about criticisms against Palang Prachachon, especially regarding Section 112. He said the party is ready to clarify all issues if the public is open to listening. Both candidates and party leaders on the ground are willing to exchange views and urged people to keep an open mind. He noted that many criticisms have selectively taken out parts of statements to attack the party, but they are always willing to engage in dialogue face to face.