Democrat veteran Somkiat Chantavanich has a strong chance of winning the election in Bangkok's constituency 8, but his Thai Rak Thai opponent is not yet throwing in the towel.

The 71-year-old Democrat has been serving the area for 16 years, first as city councillor, then as MP in the constituency covering Bang Kho Laem district.

Mr Somkiat said he is not intimidated by the younger TRT candidate, Pongpisuth Jintasopon, because he has proved he is committed to the community.

Party popularity does not seem to have much impact on the voters, at least in this area, he said.

Mr Somkiat said his son Apimuk, tipped to run in a city council by-election, is also helping in his election campaign, and the two made a good team.

However, he admitted that the Feb 6 contest is one of the toughest he has faced.

Mr Pongpisuth, 49, meanwhile, conceded he is trailing the Democrat candidate, but said his confidence is growing as the election draws near.

Mr Pongpisuth said he considers himself a veteran in the constituency, too. The TRT candidate defeated his main rival in the last city council election by 8,000 votes.

Narissorn Pivasiri, TRT election director in constituency 8, said the party is pinning its hopes on young voters.

However, he said, the party could snatch votes from the older residents, some of whom reportedly want the TRT in power for another term.