Bangkok: Chulaphan Amornvivat, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, expressed strong confidence in the party's ability to secure 200 seats in the upcoming election. Despite recent setbacks, he believes that the party's strategic selection of candidates, who align with its ideology and possess potential, will enable them to achieve their target.
According to Thai News Agency, Chulaphan confirmed the introduction of the party's third group of candidates, chosen through a meticulous selection process. This involved interviewing multiple candidates for each constituency to ensure they shared the party's core ideas and strategies. The candidates come from a range of backgrounds, including existing networks and those new to elections, reflecting the party's focus on ideological alignment and electoral potential. With 265 constituencies introduced, Pheu Thai appears prepared and confident for the elections.
Chulaphan further elaborated on the party's current standing, acknowledging the challenges faced due to its transition from a leading government role to the opposition. He admitted to a setback but maintained that the party's popularity remains stable, with a significant portion of undecided voters still open to persuasion. He emphasized the importance of presenting strong policies and capable personnel to win voter support.
Addressing internal dynamics, Chulaphan stated that having family members in different parties is not unusual in a democratic system. He affirmed the commitment of those in Pheu Thai to the party's ideology. When questioned about the absence of the Khun Pleum family at a recent press conference, he deferred to the selection committee, avoiding individual critiques.
The presence of Karun Hosakul's son at the candidate launch was noted, with Chulaphan highlighting the young candidate's readiness and long-standing involvement with the party. This, he suggested, is indicative of Pheu Thai's strategy to position prepared and dedicated candidates for the elections.
Chulaphan concluded by addressing potential candidate changes before the election, stating that while legally permissible, no further swaps are anticipated. He stressed the importance of aligning candidates with public sentiment and ensuring they effectively communicate party policies, with the final selection process involving a primary vote to confirm candidate status.