In Thailand's political landscape, Bangkok's constituencies have traditionally been a Democrat Party stronghold. In the last national election, the Pheu Thai Party was only able to clinch 10 out of the city's 33 seats.
Yet former Pheu Thai MP Polphum Wipatphumiprathet is convinced that the party can win at least half of the Bangkok constituencies in the forthcoming election on March 24.
He said the state of the economy is likely to steer people towards Pheu Thai, which he says is renowned for its economic prowess.
"I meet many people on the streets. What I hear are complaints about the rising cost of living and a sluggish economy.
"Some people in my constituency also tell me that they cannot bear to live in a country ruled by people they did not choose," said Mr Polphum, who has openly allied himself with anti-military dictatorship groups and often been seen in photos with former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Mr Polphum said the feedback he has received gives him faith that voters in Bangkok are pinning their hopes on Pheu Thai.
"Right now, Bangkok people want someone who can help address economic problems as a priority. Now is a chance for Pheu Thai to come back strongly in this city," Mr Polphum says eagerly.
Mr Polphum is one among 22 candidates from the Pheu Thai Party vying for seats in Bangkok constituencies.
It is easy to see why the Pheu Thai Party are putting their faith in the 43-year-old politician. Keen to serve, friendly and down-to-earth, Mr Polphum entered politics soon after getting master's degree in political science from Ramkhamhaeng University.
He is a grandson of former deputy defence minister Roj Wipatphumiprathet and a son of Yupadee Wipatphumiprathet, a former member of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council in Chatuchak district.
Mr Polphum also won a seat on the Bangkok Metropolitan Council when he was just 25, and he is now listed as the youngest Bangkok councillor to be elected. He served four consecutive terms without losing his seat.
In 2011, he ran in the national election under the Pheu Thai Party banner, winning to become the MP for Bangkok's Constituency 14 which covers Bung Kum and Kannayao districts.
After the military-government unlocked the ban on political activities early last month, Mr Polphum and his team of 20 have been busy canvassing for support in Constituency 14, where he intends to run again.
He said he expects the Pheu Thai Party will create a big splash in Bangkok thanks to the presence of former Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt as one of the key party members.
Mr Chadchart, well known for his economic nous, has been working side by side with Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, chairwoman of the party's election strategy committee and former MP for Bangkok.
Cooperation between these two high profile figures can only increase the party's odds at the ballot box, he believes.
Mr Polphum also has his own political strategy that has served him well over the years.
"It is important that people believe that politicians will not only visit their areas before the vote. We have to convince them of our integrity.
"Only once you perform tasks and record accomplishments, as well as understand what people want, will the voters give you their backing when an election takes place," the Pheu Thai politician said.
According to him, although his support team comes from various backgrounds and age brackets, there is an emphasis on youth this time round.
He says he is teaching his team that to become good representatives of the Pheu Thai Party, "it is important not to neglect people. A service-minded approach is paramount".
In terms of social media, Mr Polphum is using both Facebook and Line as channels to connect with local people.
"During the current absence of MPs, it is necessary for local communities to have someone who can establish links between ordinary people and various government agencies to take care of miscellaneous problems such as road damage, flooding and mosquito fogging," he said.
For the upcoming national election, he says Pheu Thai will focus on campaigns to fight poverty and drugs: "Right now, we believe Bangkok people want a party which will address economic and social problems as a priority."
He also has his own election slogan, he says with a smile: "If you can't find a solution, ask Polphum".
It's a motto he has used since his BMA council days and he says it hasn't let him down yet.
