Sakolthee, accompanied by Nene Radklao, visited Ying Charoen Market to support election candidates, warning the public to wear masks due to dangerous orange-red dust levels, while promoting the Democrat Party's policy to fight PM 2.5 dust and expedite clean air legislation.
On Friday, 16 Jan 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Sakolthee Phattiyakul, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party responsible for Bangkok, and Ms. Radklao Intawong Suwankiri, Deputy Leader, joined Ms. Vivian Julmon, candidate for Bangkok MP, Constituency 9, number 1, covering Chatuchak–Bang Khen–Lak Si areas. The three campaigned actively at Ying Charoen Market in Bang Khen district.
Mr. Sakolthee Phattiyakul, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party overseeing Bangkok, stated that today PM 2.5 dust levels remain high in the orange to red range, which poses health risks. He emphasized urging residents in the area and across all 33 districts of Bangkok to wear masks to protect against harmful dust until levels fall to safe limits.
Mr. Sakolthee said the party's policy to address this issue involves urgently pushing three related laws: Clean Air, Circular Economy, and Climate Change legislation. The approach includes both incentives and penalties to tackle the problem effectively.
Additionally, the transportation policy supports public transit by reducing fares for electric trains and buses to between 5 and 30 baht, encouraging more people to use public transport and easing citizens’ expenses. Measures also discourage burning practices and assist farmers with alternatives to prevent pollution.
"The party’s solution involves cooperation with neighboring countries. With Thailand chairing ASEAN, the party will propose this as a joint agenda item, since much of the dust originates from neighboring nations carried by prevailing winds," he explained. He emphasized that these Democrat Party policies are practical, cost-effective, and impose minimal burden on the government budget.
Mr. Sakolthee also mentioned the “Thailand Free from Poverty” policy, aiming to reduce inequality, increase incomes, and address environmental issues simultaneously through projects like the “Forest Bonds: Planting Trees for a Salary.” This initiative is primarily championed by Vivian, the candidate for Bangkok MP, Constituency 9, number 1.
Ms. Vivian, candidate for Bangkok MP, Constituency 9, number 1, added that the forest bond policy encourages citizens and farmers to plant trees, with the government as the employer. Tree planting acts as an early-stage pollution absorber. She also advocated for the three key laws: Clean Air Act, Circular Economy Act, and Climate Change Act, aiming for Thailand to advance toward a sustainable environmental society, ensuring good air quality and incomes for Bangkok residents.
Mr. Sakolthee concluded by introducing Vivian as the candidate for Bangkok MP, Constituency 9, requesting voters in the district to support her, number 1, and to vote for the Democrat Party, number 27, in the general election on 8 Feb 2025 GMT+7.