Minor parties demand justice, requesting that media give equal importance to policies. Waranchai is disappointed with colleagues who failed to attend the scheduled meeting today but believes all will participate in 20 days.
On 18 Jan 2026 GMT+7, in front of the Vayupak Conference Center at Centara Life Hotel, Waranchai Chokchana, candidate for Sai Mai district from the New Democracy Party, invited candidates from 40 political parties to unite and urge the media to focus on minor party policies. However, at the appointed time, only candidates from three other parties joined the press conference, including Wila Udom, candidate for Bangkok’s 32nd district number 10 from the New Alternative Party; Pimmaithong Sakdipatphokin (Madam Som), top candidate and leader of the Prom Party; Penbunnalak Changyan, campaign assistant for the Palang Pracharath Party; and Waranchai from the New Democracy Party.
Waranchai stated that all parties pay the same registration fee, but media coverage is unequal. There are over 40 small parties paying together; some have no debate platforms or equipment. Although all pay equal fees, media space differs. He said they are not resentful but seek fairness and equality. While not all party members attended today, he believes the full party will come in 20 days. Regarding debate stages, only major parties are invited, with few small parties included. Last week, the New Democracy, Thai Population, and New Green parties were invited but received little attention.
The New Democracy Party aims to address issues such as the cost of living, corruption, drug problems, the economy, southern region issues, and bureaucracy reform. They also support drafting a new constitution but oppose amending Article 112. They want the media to help by providing space to present each party’s policies and candidates equally.
Although 40 parties were notified, only four attended today. Waranchai said he felt disappointed because all 40 parties had promised to come last week but cited campaign obligations as reasons for absence today, leading to an unsatisfactory outcome.
Meanwhile, Wila Udom said the government operates dishonestly. He has continuously helped people and knows which companies are trustworthy or corrupt. He expressed surprise that Supachai Suthamphan did not dare to make announcements. “I am here to fight corruption with policies because it is clear that when arrests are ordered, money is accepted. This cannot solve problems. I challenge Supachai to a one-on-one debate to see whether he truly supports the economy for all people equally or favors certain groups. I urge the People’s Party, who claim to work for the younger generation, to show their experience and expertise. They say they will clean up corruption—how will they do it? I can do it with documented evidence.”
A candidate from the Prom Party said they want the media to pay attention to all parties, not just large ones. Today, there are no 500 MPs; only candidates on party lists and constituencies, all with equal status and a registration fee of 10,000 baht, but media exposure opportunities differ. They want all parties to have equal space to present policies.