Natthapong and Thanathorn invite Nonthaburi residents to exercise their voting rights in the Nonthaburi PAO election, aiming for over 60% turnout. They affirm the Orange Party does not intend to dominate Nonthaburi but seeks an opportunity for Decharat to work, citing Lamphun as an example.
On 29 August 2026, at the Bang Rak Phatthana Municipality meeting room, Nonthaburi. Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, , Mr. Decharat Sukkamnerd, People's Party candidate for Nonthaburi PAO chief, , and Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement Foundation, met with People's Party members to explain the importance of the upcoming Nonthaburi PAO chief election on Sunday, 20 September.
Mr. Natthapong thanked Nonthaburi residents for supporting the People's Party since the Move Forward Party era, electing MPs from the province in the last two elections and securing four city mayors. Therefore, for the 20 September PAO election, the People's Party is mobilizing all resources, including MPs, PAO councilors, and 5,666 party members in Nonthaburi, seeking the opportunity to manage the PAO’s annual budget of over 3.2 billion baht to best serve Nonthaburi people.
“There have been rumors that the Orange Party aims to take over Nonthaburi because it has MPs from the province and now seeks the PAO chief position. As party leader, I affirm we do not engage in politics to seize territory because the people are not possessions, and the party does not own them—the people own the party. We understand that PAO elections are not easy; Chief Thongchai (Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, former PAO chief) served Nonthaburi well for 22 years. We send Mr. Decharat to run with hope of getting a chance from the people to manage Nonthaburi. We do not seek political territorial grabs but a better future for the people.”
Mr. Thanathorn spoke of successes by mayors and PAO chiefs in areas where the Progressive Movement has advised management, achieving significant improvements in local quality of life and economy, making budget use transparent and efficient, and investing in necessities. For example, Lamphun under Mr. Weeradej Phupisit, or Mayor Heng, increased education budgets, purchased quality computers and teaching materials, and revised curricula to involve students in solving local issues such as elder and bedridden patient care.
These education improvements had tangible results: despite Lamphun’s very low birth rate and declining enrollment in general schools, PAO schools saw an 18.3% increase in student applicants. Mayor Heng aims to make Lamphun’s PAO schools the best in Northern Thailand.
Mr. Thanathorn emphasized that this example shows Thailand can improve. Lamphun’s entire provincial budget is only a few hundred million baht, but if the People's Party manages Nonthaburi’s PAO with a 3.2 billion baht budget, and eventually the country with over 3 trillion baht, a better future for the nation is achievable.
“We have shown that with good budgeting and visionary leadership, a better Thailand is possible. I believe Mr. Decharat will serve Nonthaburi well, improving it with his knowledge in agriculture, education, and environmental care. Importantly, he is a unifying figure who can collaborate with everyone. I believe Mr. Decharat is the best choice for Nonthaburi. In just over 20 days, the decision power lies with Nonthaburi residents. Previously, only 41% voted in the PAO election, while recent general elections saw over 72% turnout. Therefore, I urge Nonthaburi residents who want the People's Party to manage the province to come out and vote, aiming for over 60% turnout to send Decharat to the PAO chief seat.”
