Sirikanya campaigned at Pracha Niwet Market, emphasizing her policy platform and the launch of a professional management team. She stressed that the Prachachon Party will not vote for anyone else as Prime Minister except Teng Natthapong, but faced criticism that her call for change is built on division.
At 09:30 on 9 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, Prachachon Party's prime ministerial candidate, campaigned at Pracha Niwet Market, Bangkok, amid a lively atmosphere with many locals and vendors welcoming and attentively listening to her speech.
Upon arrival, Ms. Sirikanya told reporters that her visit to Pracha Niwet Market was intended to meet as many people as possible. Despite a tight schedule, she wanted to use every opportunity to present the party’s policies and urged the public to trust that the Prachachon Party is committed to working for the people and seriously bringing in a “people’s government” to lead the country.
Ms. Sirikanya said that from previous visits to various districts, public response remains positive. Although some areas have shown media-reported controversies or differing opinions, she affirmed these represent only a minority. The majority continue to support the party, placing their hopes in it, and the party aims to make those hopes a reality.
“Even if some citizens disagree with the party, we do not give up. Often, questions arise from genuine curiosity seeking real answers. We are ready to explain openly and face the public honestly,” Ms. Sirikanya said.
When asked about competition in Bangkok, where the Democrat Party is also contesting seats, Ms. Sirikanya said she is not worried and does not view it as splitting territory since the Prachachon Party does not consider any area permanently theirs. They aim to earn public trust continuously and will work hard during the final month to seek votes across all 33 Bangkok districts. She sees competition as offering more choices to voters, which is positive.
Regarding attacks from other parties during the final campaign phase, Ms. Sirikanya noted that as the leading party, it is normal to be targeted. However, there are many ways to present policies and compete constructively in politics, rather than solely using negative campaigning. She urged all parties to shift strategies toward policy promotion instead of collective attacks.
On the upcoming announcement of a professional management team for public sector reform, Ms. Sirikanya confirmed the party’s serious commitment. Although not officially a cabinet due to legal constraints, the party has appointed professionals combined with political dedication to push reforms that benefit both citizens—by simplifying bureaucratic processes—and civil servants. She asked the public to watch for the official unveiling of these experts soon.
Asked if recruiting outsiders for the management team could invite criticism, Ms. Sirikanya said this approach aligns with the party’s longstanding practice of selecting the prime ministerial candidate and MPs through public input before appointments. She views this transparency as a strength, contrasting with the uncertainty of last-minute selections. She emphasized that unveiling the management team early is a strategy to build public confidence amid ongoing questions about whether a team of political newcomers can govern effectively.
Ms. Sirikanya clarified that introducing personnel who are not electoral candidates is not about insiders or outsiders but about choosing suitable individuals for specific roles. Some may lack legislative experience but excel in administration. All have been vetted by the party. Ministerial appointments remain the prime minister’s prerogative, who is responsible for the government’s performance and maintains a direct link to the public.
Comparing to the Bhumjaithai Party’s similar move to appoint a professional team, Ms. Sirikanya said the Prachachon Party publicly planned this earlier. The key difference lies in their selection process, which avoids political faction quotas or ministerial position trades and instead prioritizes expertise and capability. She promised a “wow” moment on 11 Jan 2026 GMT+7, showcasing a coordinated team across ministries to reduce siloed work.
Regarding economic policy, in response to the Pheu Thai Party’s 70/30 co-payment proposal, Ms. Sirikanya said she leaves it to the public to decide if it is impressive. She reiterated that the Prachachon Party also has short-term economic stimulus measures and supports co-payment schemes but insists these be paired with a “receipt lottery” to incentivize small and micro businesses sustainably.
On Pheu Thai’s 3,000-baht top-up policy, Ms. Sirikanya explained it differs from a digital wallet as it targets only those below the poverty line to help sustain them but cannot solve poverty permanently. She highlighted that many people are “near poor” and require serious income-generating policies alongside such aid.
On government formation, Ms. Sirikanya reaffirmed the Prachachon Party’s position to not vote for any prime ministerial candidate other than Natthapong Ruangpanyawut if they secure first place. She stressed that forming a government must be transparent with the public and free of secret deals. To avoid being deceived again, voters should elect the Prachachon Party as the sole government party.
Later, as Ms. Sirikanya prepared to greet people, a group of citizens approached to express political criticism directly. One said, “Trying to make change on division will eventually show results as declining popularity in a cycle. But if you do well and rightly, popularity will soar. I believe your peak is 150 seats. I asked people around me if your party’s actions would grow, and the unanimous answer was no—from common folks. Regarding phrases like ‘What are the military for?’ or ‘The Thai army never wins battles,’ hearing this pains me. I’m not old-fashioned; I’m a US citizen who’s seen the West for 30–40 years. Ultimately, regardless of the system, if the people aren't ready, change can't happen. So, we must let things be as they are.” Ms. Sirikanya thanked them and continued greeting market vendors and citizens amid a lively atmosphere with cheers and photo requests, reflecting clear political interest locally.
This campaign speech at Pracha Niwet Market is part of the Prachachon Party’s efforts in Bangkok to engage community-level voters closely and communicate policies directly before continuing to other locations.
