Dr. Joe Canvasses Bangkok's Bang Rak District, Receives Strong Response, Aims to Sweep All 50 Orange Constituency Seats

On May 8, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the ITF Market, Chaivatana Sathavawichit, the Pheu Thai Party's candidate for Bangkok Governor, along with fellow Pheu Thai lawmakers Tao Phipop Limjitrakorn and Vanasanjai Sirimewakhin, a candidate for the Bang Rak Metropolitan Assembly seat, met with residents, merchants, and business owners in the area. The atmosphere was lively, with citizens requesting photos and Chaivatana introducing himself to shoppers and vendors alike.

During the visit, a pants shop owner living in the Thonburi area raised concerns about persistent pedestrian pathway and pipe cover problems in Soi Charan Sanitwong 13 that remained unresolved despite multiple complaints. He expressed hope that if Chaivatana were elected governor, these infrastructure issues would finally be addressed.

Chaivatana received the complaint and immediately contacted Pavitra Jitakij, a Pheu Thai lawmaker in the area, to coordinate and follow up on the matter.

When asked about choosing Silom as his first campaign location, Chaivatana explained he wanted to reflect the lives of Bangkok's urban residents during midday hours, believing this area best captures city life. Meeting office workers, merchants, and business owners provided him with diverse perspectives and insights.

Regarding public response, Chaivatana said the reception was satisfactory, noting he received warm welcomes from market patrons and vendors. Based on feedback collected, he identified two main priority areas: First, the cost of living in Bangkok is quite high. The Pheu Thai Party proposes supporting affordable food venues such as food courts and markets through land tax mechanisms to help Bangkok residents access cheaper food and reduce living expenses. Second, transportation challenges—pedestrians encounter broken pipes and uneven sidewalks, and public transportation remains cumbersome. These concerns came primarily from office workers, who represent the middle class and majority of Bangkok's population.

When asked about his confidence against incumbent Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Chaivatana stated that while he acknowledges the race won't be easy, he expects to win. He emphasized he doesn't stand alone—he campaigns with 50 Metropolitan Assembly candidates and respected management teams across districts. The entire Pheu Thai Party backs him, with 120 other lawmakers ready to address structural problems in parliament, giving him confidence to offer better proposals and paint a brighter future for Bangkok residents.

When asked about his Metropolitan Assembly seat targets, Chaivatana said: "If you ask me, we've already secured 33 constituencies across Bangkok and swept the province with orange. Wouldn't it be great if we could sweep all 50 Metropolitan Assembly seats throughout the province as well? As for me, I want to set high targets."