“Jurin” campaigns with his nephew “God Phanupong,” confident the Democrat Party will reclaim Bangkok seats in this election, calling on Bangkok voters to support both the candidate and the party. “Satit” urges the People’s Party to clearly state their position on the constitutional amendments to chapters 1-2.
18 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, a party-list candidate for the Democrat Party and former party leader, together with Mr. Rames Rattanachiew, a party-list candidate, toured Lat Phrao-Bueng Kum districts to campaign for Mr. Phanupong Laksanawisit, or God, the Democrat Party candidate for Bangkok’s 13th district. At Pho Suwan Market in Nuanchan 56, they walked distributing introduction leaflets to shoppers, receiving a warm response—people greeted them, requested photos, shook hands, gave flowers for encouragement, and some brought snacks and drinks. They then proceeded by vehicle along Nuanchan Road, Miftahul Yeenan Mosque, and Suan Thong Village, ending at Nuanchan Temple.
Mr. Jurin said that in Bangkok, the Democrat Party has failed to win any seats in the last two elections. However, this time there is a strong possibility to plant the party’s flag in Bangkok, based on improved public response, survey results, and expert analyses. He urged Bangkok residents to give the party a chance to build honest politics by voting for all 33 Democrat candidates in Bangkok districts as well as the party-list number 27. Honest politics is the foundation for improving the country’s political, economic, social, and security conditions, which will ultimately enhance the quality of life for Bangkok residents and all Thai people.
“As for Mr. Phanupong, or God, the Democrat candidate for Bangkok’s 13th district covering Lat Phrao-Bueng Kum, he is my nephew—the son of my sister. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Ramkhamhaeng University and a degree in Creative Industry from Thammasat University, and a master’s in Public Administration from Chulalongkorn University. He previously worked on my team when I was Minister of Commerce, then served as assistant to former Speaker Chuan Leekpai, and has been part of the Democrat Party’s legal team for several years. He has sufficient experience to serve Bangkok residents, and I ask voters in Lat Phrao 13 to consider choosing him. I also ask voters to support both Democrat candidate ballots in all Bangkok districts and the party-list ballot number 27. Thank you very much.”
“Satit” presses People’s Party for clarity; don’t use Article 255 to dodge the issue of amending chapters 1-2.
On the same day, Mr. Satit Wongnongtoei, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, commented on the constitutional amendment referendum. From his visits meeting citizens, he found that people remain confused and worried, mainly due to unclear questions posed by the government’s Bhumjaithai Party, which can be interpreted in multiple ways—especially concerns over amendments to chapters 1 and 2. During last night’s debate, the People’s Party leader did not raise his hand.
When asked which party opposes amending chapters 1 and 2, and given claims that Article 255 locks the constitution, Satit said this is a misleading statement. Although Article 255 prohibits changes to the form of government, the referendum process includes adding a new chapter on drafting a new constitution. Thus, it is not considered an amendment under the meaning of Article 255.
Mr. Satit added: “Furthermore, amending chapters 1 and 2 could affect the status of the monarchy without violating Article 255. The last amendment to Article 256 before parliament was dissolved included a condition not to amend chapters 1 and 2, added by a majority in the committee chaired by a People’s Party MP and approved by parliament. Therefore, the People’s Party leader’s acceptance of amending chapters 1 and 2 by citing Article 255 as locked is inaccurate and may cause people to hesitate in approving the referendum. The Democrat Party calls on the People’s Party to reconsider this stance to give citizens confidence in the 8 February referendum.”