Sirikanya Tansakul campaigned in the Bang Kapi district and was shouted at with accusations of belonging to the "Rotten Orange Party" and questioned why Section 112 should be amended. She saw this as a good opportunity to clarify and explain her position and urged the Election Commission to extend the registration period for out-of-area referendum voting, disregarding Ruangkrai's complaint to the EC.
5 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, Deputy Leader of the People's Party and prime ministerial candidate, continued her campaign efforts by supporting Mr. Korkiat Kosungsak, the People's Party candidate for Member of Parliament (MP) in Bang Kapi district, at Nakhon Thai Market, Lat Phrao Soi 101. Upon arrival, she introduced the new candidate, emphasizing that the People's Party is fielding fresh faces and asking residents to give the party's candidates a chance to work for them. Mr. Korkiat requested the people of Bang Kapi to re-elect him as their parliamentary representative.
The atmosphere at the market was mixed, with some people interested and asking questions while others ignored the campaign. While canvassing near food stalls, a group of elderly people sitting at a table shouted from a distance, "If you're going to criticize the Rotten Orange Party, why ask why the military is needed?" Sirikanya continued campaigning and some shop owners inquired about the referendum voting and early voting process, expressing confusion over the referendum and uncertainty about the questions to be decided. Sirikanya explained that early voting outside one’s district is allowed, but referendum voting must be done on the single date of 8 Feb 2026, though out-of-area voting rights apply.
At a shop selling amulet frames, the owner asked the People's Party's prime ministerial candidate why the party is so determined to amend the constitution and Section 112 when the country and Thai people do not want it. The owner said people want solutions to their livelihood problems. Sirikanya clarified that while the constitution has many flaws needing amendment, the party has no policy to amend Section 112, leading to a heated exchange of questions and explanations.
After finishing the campaign, reporters asked Sirikanya about facing tough questions in two campaign locations regarding why the constitution and Section 112 need amending. She replied, "It's an opportunity for us to provide understanding. The People's Party is not solely focused on constitutional amendments; we also discuss economic and livelihood issues. This feedback shows our economic policies may not have fully reached the public, which might explain why the focus seems to be on constitutional reform. Today, we had a chance to clarify, and it was not as difficult compared to what others experience during campaigns. Such questions are common in every election. We acknowledge our party often has standout policies that provoke questions. Whether this changes minds will be seen on election day."
Regarding the needs of Bangkok residents and whether the People's Party has policies to address them, Sirikanya said she has listened and understands the concerns, especially economic and livelihood issues which remain significant. Temporary relief measures like 'Khon La Khrueng' (Half-Half co-payment scheme) are necessary to ease economic hardship during downturns, but a lasting solution requires major, difficult reforms. It is the MPs’ responsibility to find ways to address the root causes of economic problems.
When asked if the People's Party needs to work harder in Lat Phrao–Bang Kapi, where several leading candidates from various parties are running, Sirikanya said, "Although our previous MP is not running, he will help campaign to ensure a smooth handover. We must work hard in every district, whether candidates are incumbents or new faces, because we understand that voters are not guaranteed to vote for anyone. If we do not perform well or satisfy voters, they may not choose us again. But if we do well and meet expectations, whether new or old candidates, we will have support. Candidates must figure out how to win in their districts."
Regarding confusion over registration for referendum voting and out-of-area early voting, with today being the last day, Sirikanya said that after meeting people at the market, many were unaware they must vote in the referendum. She noted the lack of early voting for the referendum is problematic; if someone is absent on 8 Feb, they lose their voting right because early voting is not permitted. Those who know they will be away on that date should register to vote out-of-area today, the last day for registration. She urged people to protect their rights by completing online registration today, despite website issues, to avoid losing voting rights.
She also agreed that the Election Commission should extend the registration period for out-of-area voting and referendum registration until 8 Jan 2026, as the current registration time is very short—only three days for the referendum registration from 3–5 Jan. Despite efforts to publicize this, the inability to vote early for the referendum makes out-of-area registration difficult and the process more complicated than early voting registration. She appealed to the Election Commission to extend the registration time, allowing voters more time to prepare and decide where to vote—within or outside their district. With the website crashing today, extending registration by two more days would be helpful.
At the end, Sirikanya commented on the case where Mr. Ruangkrai Likitjawatana, the Palang Pracharath Party MP candidate, filed a complaint with the Election Commission to verify resignation documents of Mr. Boonrit Rarungroj that allegedly lacked a signature. She said it is unlikely the resignation letter would be unsigned and that the EC will make the determination. She added that anyone filing complaints should let the authorized officials decide whether the resignation documents are complete or not.