Dr. Kandi, the Democrat Party's prime ministerial candidate, campaigned at Prachanivet and Thanommit markets supporting party candidates, promoting a unified ticket policy costing 5 to 30 baht to connect BTS and bus services, aiming to reduce the burden on Bangkok commuters with a focus on feasible policies that do not strain the budget.
On 9 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Dr. Kandi Liaopairoj, deputy leader of the Democrat Party and prime ministerial candidate, campaigned in Bangkok's 8th constituency with Mr. Ong-art Klamhaibun, advisor to the party leader, Mr. Sakolthee Pattiyakul, deputy party leader responsible for Bangkok, and Bangkok MP candidate No.14, Mr. Rapeepat Sumetchotimetha. Constituency 8 covers Lak Si district (except Talat Bang Khen sub-district) and Chatuchak district (except Chan Kasem and Sena Nikhom sub-districts), including Prachanivet 1 market. Also campaigning was MP candidate No.6 for Bangkok's 12th constituency, Ms. Pimchanok Kaojaroen.
Dr. Kandi explained that the unified ticket policy for BTS and buses would charge fares based on distance, starting at 5 baht and capped at 30 baht. He emphasized the importance of reducing commuting expenses for Bangkok residents, as travel costs are a fixed essential expense. The key is that the policy is achievable, envisioning a zoned fare system with 5 baht for short distances and up to 30 baht for longer connections. The focus is on convenience and lowering daily living costs for Bangkok commuters.
Regarding the fare cap of 30 baht, Mr. Sakolthee added that the Democrat Party prioritizes policies that are realistically achievable and sustainable. They avoid setting fares too low only to deliver the policy for a single year before it becomes unfeasible.
"All Democrat Party policies are developed through discussions among party leaders and policy teams, based on realistic figures that have minimal impact on the state budget subsidies," he said.
Mr. Sakolthee said constituency 8 is a traditional Democrat Party seat. He and Dr. Kandi are supporting Mr. Rapeepat in a district historically contested between the Democrats and Pheu Thai, but now with increased competition from multiple parties.
He continued that Chatuchak residents have consistently trusted the Democrat Party, and this campaign hopes to maintain that support. Over the past 10 years, both Dr. Kandi and the party leader have received strong positive responses from the public. Many voters told the party leader they had previously voted Democrat but switched to other parties, yet now they intend to return their support to the Democrat Party.
On the election outlook in Bangkok, where the Democrat Party aims to win around 10 seats, Mr. Sakolthee said that while the party leader declined to specify numbers during a visit to Yaowarat on 8 Jan, he personally believes the party has a chance to win about 10 seats given the current situation. However, uncertainty remains as Bangkok's political mood can shift in the final weeks before the election due to various developments.
"Chatuchak is a highly swing district, having previously delivered overwhelming wins to the Democrat Party, Pheu Thai, and the People’s Party at different times. It is essentially a battleground with no permanent owner, influenced by current political trends. We are confident because Chatuchak has produced Democrat MPs before," he concluded.