People's Party Launches Pattaya Mayor Candidate with Promise of Inclusive Leadership

PATTAYA — On May 12, 2026, the People's Party formally launched Itthiwat Wattanasartsathorn as their mayoral candidate for Pattaya, with party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and Progressive Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit pledging a platform centered on transparency, welfare, and support for small businesses.

The campaign kickoff, held at 6 PM at Sohotown's outdoor area on Pattaya Second Road in Chonburi, also unveiled 24 city council candidates across all four electoral districts, drawing substantial crowds of supporters.

Natthaphong framed the campaign under the vision "Pattaya: City of Opportunity," questioning whether future growth would serve all residents or only privileged groups. He called on voters to participate in the June 28 election to "decide and reshape Pattaya."

Based on community visits with local MPs, Natthaphong noted that Pattaya has undergone dramatic changes, with rising living costs, tougher business conditions, and increased competition from large corporations and informal economy operators straining small entrepreneurs, fishermen, and workers. He also addressed public safety concerns, including organized crime, gun violence, and drug trafficking, which residents increasingly link to local political influence.

Natthaphong acknowledged longtime supporters who have backed the movement through its evolution from the Future Forward Party to the Move Forward Party and now the People's Party, emphasizing the group's consistent push for reform despite never holding national power. He outlined commitments including 120 days of maternity leave, protections for night-shift workers, and oversight of social security expenditures.

The party leader announced that the People's Party is now positioned to seek its first chance to govern Pattaya, with the mayoral candidate and team ready to present policies informed by successful projects implemented in other regions.