Somporn Longji believes he has been reporting on politics for too long. He has worked for newspapers, radio and television.

When invited, he was not hesitant about accepting the deputy spokesman post for the Matchima Thipataya Party.

But he also got a better offer. At 32, the party is fielding him as a candidate in Bangkok’s Prawet district.

"The country has been dangerously polarised. I think I can take part in solving problems. I have been a political reporter long enough to know the country’s problems and problems in Bangkok," he said.

He believes he has a good chance to win the seat, as the party’s policies will address community problems.

Urgent issues include land expropriation in Klong Toei for the Klong Toei-Suvarnabhumi expressway. Residents would suffer and the expressway would not be worth it, he said.

His determination is his strength, he said. He studies problems seriously and people should give a chance to politicians of the younger generation like him.

He also adapts the qualities of good politicians. For example, former prime ministers Anand Panyarachun and Chuan Leekpai are good speakers, and he tries to follow them, he said.