The event, held at the Kosimbi Building of the PPAO Office, marked the start of the election process following the conclusion of the previous term last Thursday (Dec 19).
Supporters flocked to the venue early, bringing flowers and garlands to cheer on the candidates. By 8:30am, when the application process officially opened, candidates and their supporters had already gathered in significant numbers, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Two candidates have announced their bids for the position of PPAO president. Rewat Areerob, the former PPAO president from the Phuket Yatdai team, secured the first spot on the ballot.
His opponent, Lertsak Leenanitikul of the Prachachon Party, was assigned the second position.
The ballot numbers will feature prominently in their upcoming campaigns, with No 1 beside Mr Rewat’s name and No 2 beside Mr Lertsak’s name.
The application process was overseen by Akkarawat Sirithanthanakorn, secretary of the PPAO and director of the PPAO Election Committee, alongside the Phuket Election Commission and other officials.
Observers noted a peaceful and well-organised atmosphere, with applicants advised to ensure all required documents were in order.
Registration for candidates remains open each day from 8:30am to 4:30pm until Friday (Dec 27).
Citizens are encouraged to participate and “choose good people to develop Phuket”, said an official report of this morning’s events.
The elections, which will be held for all Provincial Administrative Organisations (PAO) throughout the country, are scheduled for Saturday, Feb 1.
The final list of eligible candidates is to be announced on Jan 3.
In accordance with election law in Thailand, there will be a 24-ban on the sale of alcohol throughout the country for the election.
The ban will be in effect from 6pm the day before the election (Friday, Jan 31) through to 6pm the day of the election (Saturday, Feb 1).
The ban applies to all people in the country. Those caught violating the ban can face a fine of up to B10,000 or even up to six months in jail, or both.