Dr. Joe Returns to Talat Phlu, Promotes Tourism Development; Clarifies 40-Baht BTS Fare, Reaffirms No Campaign Billboards
Thai People's Party Bangkok governor candidate Chaivatana Sathavornvijit visited Talat Phlu market to propose tourism development and clarified his distance-based BTS fare proposal ranging from 8-45 baht, while reaffirming his commitment to
On May 14, 2025, Chaivatana Sathavornvijit, a Thai People's Party candidate for Bangkok governor, returned to Talat Phlu market—his childhood neighborhood—to meet with vendors and community members. He revealed that his campaign includes daily field visits with a team of MPs. Today's stop in Thonburi district was particularly meaningful as the birthplace of his childhood. Chaivatana stated his intention to develop Talat Phlu into a vibrant tourist destination where residents and visitors can shop and dine, aligning with Bangkok's easy-commerce agenda.
He proposed creating community-driven stories to establish the area's unique character and improve pedestrian accessibility, including covered walkways connecting key transit points and the railway area. Such improvements would encourage tourists from nearby attractions to visit the market.
Regarding the contested 40-baht BTS fare policy, Chaivatana clarified that the fare should be distance-based, ranging from 8-45 baht—a proposal his council has been developing since the previous session. He explained the structure would include combined fares for multi-leg journeys (bus-to-BTS) rather than single tickets, allowing passengers to pay one fare from origin to destination regardless of transfers. He emphasized these figures were based on realistic data and sound principles, with tax subsidies supplementing but not fully covering costs, allowing remaining tax revenue for other welfare programs.
On his no-billboard campaign pledge, Chaivatana expressed his commitment to reducing campaign billboards starting with this Bangkok election. He argued that billboards obstruct pedestrian pathways and pose accident risks. Instead, his campaign would utilize multiple communication channels including brochures, social media, vinyl and canvas materials at markets, and centralized digital billboards. He noted that Bangkok's governor position has a single ballot number, and voters familiar with the Thai People's Party can identify him through alternative channels and media.
