"Dr. Joe" visited Or Tor Kor Market to support Apivat Dan Srichanchai's campaign for the Chatuchak district seat, promoting a receipt lottery policy to revive Thai SMEs. He revealed he does not feel pressured campaigning locally and noted that Surapol Nitikraipoj only provides advice without actively campaigning.
On 7 Jun 2026 GMT+7 at the Organization of Agricultural Market for Farmers (Or Tor Kor Market), Mr. Chaiwat Sathawornwijit, a candidate for Bangkok Governor from the People's Party, campaigned alongside Mr. Apivat Dan Srichanchai, candidate for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council number 3 in Chatuchak district. Mr. Chaiwat stated that visiting Chatuchak aimed to present policies for easier trade, support for trading areas, and the Bangkok SMEs receipt lottery to stimulate the economy and seek votes from vendors and shoppers at Or Tor Kor Market. He highlighted the receipt lottery policy, which has been proven effective in Taiwan for boosting local economies from the grassroots level, increasing customer flow to SME shops. Every 20 baht spent grants eligibility to win prizes, with Bangkok allocating monthly prizes totaling 10 million baht.
Mr. Chaiwat explained that winners spread the word by word of mouth, encouraging more purchases through participating SMEs. He affirmed this model was studied from successful cases, especially in Taiwan. The Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization has also started a similar program called Lamphun Pay. Since Bangkok is larger than Lamphun province, he believes this will further stimulate spending in the area.
Meanwhile, Mr. Apivat revealed that urgent issues in Chatuchak include flood management, traffic congestion, and accumulated waste. Having previously served one term as a council member, he is familiar with these problems. Although some progress has been made, solutions are not complete. He acknowledged that traffic and infrastructure connections remain inconvenient, such as some areas lacking shelter, making travel difficult for residents. He also emphasized policies to improve and develop markets in Chatuchak, many of which are under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's care. If the People's Party's governor is elected, markets will be enhanced and upgraded.
Mr. Chaiwat added that he does not feel pressured during this campaign, having previously visited the area and received warm responses. He plans to campaign daily and do his best, presenting policies aimed at improving and simplifying life for Chatuchak residents. He particularly focuses on waste and flood problems, promising necessary changes and improvements. He is ready to present daily policies so that residents understand everyone will have opportunities.
When asked about the appointment of Mr. Surapol Nitikraipoj, former Thammasat University rector and former 2006 National Legislative Assembly member, as chairman of the Bangkok governor campaign strategy team and whether he would help in the final campaign phase, Mr. Chaiwat said Mr. Surapol's role is mainly advisory, given his direct experience with Bangkok-related matters such as the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and administration of Nawamintharachinuthit University under Bangkok's jurisdiction. Mr. Surapol has provided proactive policy advice during planning. Therefore, his role is to offer consultation and recommendations to the candidate team, while discussions on active campaigning assistance have not yet occurred.