The Bhumjaithai Party says it is confident it will perform well in the capital at the next election after former Bangkok MP Bhuddhipongse Punnakanta joined its ranks yesterday.
Mr Bhuddhipongse will lead a team of candidates for Bhumjaithai's Bangkok campaign under the Bhumjai 24/7 concept, which refers to the party's pledge to take care of all Bangkokians around the clock.
His team consists of eight former Bangkok representatives, of which two were from the Move Forward Party, one from Pheu Thai and five from the Palang Pracharath Party.
Party leader party Anutin Charnvirakul said that he'd known Mr Bhuddipongse for a long time and added that he is well suited for Bhumjaithai.
"Mr Bhuddipongse's entry into the party will help the party's political standing," Mr Anutin said. "We are a party born in the provinces, so we've been reluctant to have a presence in the capital, but it's the heart of the country, so good policies for Bangkok will benefit all provinces."
Mr Bhuddhipongse, a former Democrat, said he would guide the party to victory in at least eight seats up for grabs in Bangkok.
He said he wanted to work with the Bhumjaithai Party as its ideals are in line with his concerns over the country's security and prosperity, as well as the protection of the royal family.
With at least 20 years of experience in Bangkok politics, Mr Bhuddhipongse said he understood the city's problems and was confident he could find solutions to them.
He said the party's campaign for Bangkok would be simple and practical, with policies that would benefit all of the city's residents.
As part of that, the campaign includes cheaper travel fares, free medical treatment for cancer and kidney diseases, and tax redemption for workers.