‘Teng’ visits Thonburi to support ‘Dr. Joe’ along with 50 district council candidates, dismissing the Nida Poll that placed them third behind Mallika, vowing to overturn the poll and win as in 2019.
On 19 June 2026 at Pak Khlong Talat New Flower Market on Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, led a team to Thonburi to hold a rally and campaign for Chaiwat Sathaworawijit (Dr. Joe), candidate for Bangkok governor, and the party’s candidates for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC), amid a lively welcome from local vendors and residents.
Natthapong said in a speech that this year’s Bangkok governor and BMC elections are about more than just a mayor addressing daily issues; Bangkok residents want a leader bold enough to transform the city and tackle pressing problems like living costs, healthcare, transportation, and budget corruption. During his visits, vendors complained about paying protection fees to operate, an issue acknowledged even by incumbent Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, including extortion by municipal officers and foreign competition. Natthapong believes having only the governor is insufficient and stressed the need for BMC members to help with oversight, which is a strength of the Prachachon Party.
When asked about confidence in winning all 50 BMC seats after recently sweeping parliamentary seats in Bangkok in 2026, Natthapong said that in 2022 the former Move Forward Party won 10 BMC districts, but this year their goal is to win all 50 districts—or as many as possible—to dismantle and reform unfair systems such as the mass transit and waste management concessions, relying on cooperation between MPs and BMC members.
Regarding the recent Nida Poll showing Chaiwat’s popularity dropping to third place, overtaken by Mallika Boonmitrakul moving up to second, the party leader expressed no concern. He noted that poll results fluctuate and welcomed feedback but compared this to his direct experience in the 2019 Bang Khae district parliamentary election when he was third in polls yet ultimately won. He emphasized that the key in the final nine days before the 28 June election is to communicate the agenda for city transformation to energize voters.
“The Bangkok election is a large special administrative area with a budget of 400 billion baht. The decision on 28 June will not only address local issues but will significantly impact the next general election. If the public gives the Prachachon Party the opportunity to demonstrate its ability to manage and bring change in Bangkok, then we can transform Thailand in the upcoming national election,” Natthapong said.
Additionally, Natthapong addressed criticism that the Prachachon Party’s focus on corruption and protection fee issues is a tactic to discredit incumbent Governor Chadchart Sittipunt during the campaign’s final stretch. He affirmed that the party has always engaged in constructive political activities, basing critiques on factual evidence openly and honestly. He stressed that transparency checks are not political attacks but ultimately benefit the public, and all politicians must be prepared to be scrutinized and explain the facts.