PATTAYA — 12 May 2026, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, on Tuesday launched “Wat” Mr. Itthiwat Wattanasartsathorn as the People’s Party candidate for Pattaya mayor, pledging a platform centred on transparency, welfare and support for small businesses.
The launch event, held at 18:00 at the backyard of Sohotown on Pattaya Second Road, Soi 1 in Chonburi province, also introduced 24 city council candidates representing all four electoral districts. Supporters gathered in large numbers to attend the rally.
“Teng” Natthaphong opened the campaign under the vision “Pattaya: City of Opportunity,” questioning whether future growth would benefit all residents or only select groups. He also urged voters to cast their ballots in the 28 June election to help “decide and change Pattaya”.
Drawing on visits to local communities with MPs from the area, Natthaphong stated during the speech that Pattaya had changed significantly in recent years, citing rising living costs, more difficult trading conditions, and growing competition from large investors and grey economy businesses. He said small entrepreneurs, fishermen and local workers had been particularly affected.
Additionally, he raised concerns over public safety, including organized influence, firearms, and drug-related crime, which many residents seemed linking to local politics. Pattaya, he emphasized, should provide equal opportunities for all citizens.
Natthaphong thanked supporters who had backed the movement since the days of the Future Forward Party, Move Forward Party, and until now as People’s Party, saying the group had consistently pushed for reforms despite never having formed a national government. He confirmed policies, including 120 days of maternity leave, labor protections for night-shift workers, and scrutiny of social security spending.
The People’s Party leader also announced that the party was now ready to seek its first opportunity to govern Pattaya, promising the future mayoral candidates for Pattaya and their team will present their vision to show their policies based on experience from projects implemented successfully in other areas.
