BANGKOK, April 3 — Hundreds of hopefuls began registering as candidates at various constituencies throughout Thailand on Monday for the May 14 General Election.
In Bangkok, candidates accompanied by party supporters gathered at the Bangkok Youth Centre early with the hopes to draw a ‘lucky and auspicious number’ to run in upcoming election.
Most candidates hoped for a single-digit candidate number because it will be easily remembered by voters when they cast their ballots on election day.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha accompanied by his United Thai Nation Party leaders and candidates, arrived at the Bangkok Youth Centre on an open-top truck to offer moral support to party constituency candidates.
Besides that, Prawit Wongsuwan from Palang Pracharath party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai party, Jurin Laksanawisit of Democrat Party, and Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat also convened at the venue to lend their support to party candidates for Bangkok constituency.
Meanwhile, Prayuth said that Thailand needs leaders who knew their duties and continued with their responsibilities to serve the people and country.
“I know how to proceed…make it happen too,” he told Thairath TV. He added that issues on traffic congestion, garbage and drainage problems in Bangkok were among his priorities.
Meanwhile, Prawit said his party’s candidates pledged to do their best for the people.
“We are not setting any goals (seats to win) in the coming election, it is up to the people to decide,” he said.
Meanwhile, Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Pheu Thai Party said the party is hopeful to win most of 33 seats within Bangkok constituency.
“We will continue to do our best. It is up to the people to use their right to vote. We will go all out during the campaigning period.
“We hope the people will come out to exercise their rights on May 14. Pheu Thai is to pull of a landslide victory in this coming election,” the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said. Thaksin is living in self-exile in Dubai.
Paetongtarn is also Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate.
Meanwhile, the candidate registration process in troubled southern Thailand went smooth.
There are a total of 24 seats for five southern provinces namely – Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Satun.
Secretary-general of Prachachat Party Pol Colonel Tawee Sodsong said the party is expected to win 13 seats in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla in coming election.
“Our candidates are local residents who understand the situation and local issues better,” he said.
The Election Commission set May 14 as polling day while advance polling on May 7.
