At 8:30am, the meeting room on the third floor of the Sakhu OrBorTor office was filled with supporters, as the Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) officially opened applications for candidates.
The strong turnout highlighted local residents’ enthusiasm and interest in shaping the future of Sakhu, a key economic and tourism area in Thalang District.
Two high-profile candidates are contesting the position.
Pol Lt Ekkapoj Phang-nga, leading ‘Team Power Sakhu’, has pledged to “open council affairs to the public” with policies focused on transparency, accountability and active citizen participation. His campaign proposes live broadcasts of council meetings and open hearings to ensure the public is involved at every stage.
His rival is veteran local politician Trin Panyawai, better known as ‘Mayor Noi’, who has previously served three terms as Sakhu OrBorTor Chief.
Running under ‘Team Love Sakhu’, Mr Trin has adopted the policy “Continuing Work, Creating New Work,” promising to build on existing projects while launching new initiatives to establish Sakhu as a “Subdistrict of Opportunity” through close collaboration with residents.
The election was triggered by Mr Trin’s resignation from the top post in August, requiring the ECT Phuket to call a fresh vote within 60 days under the Local Election Act of 2019.
Candidate registration will remain open until Friday (Sept 19), from 8:30am to 4:30pm daily, at the Sakhu OrBorTor offices.
A lottery draw on Monday determined the ballot numbers: Pol Lt Ekkapoj’s Team Power Sakhu was assigned No. 1, while Mr Trin’s Team Love Sakhu will appear as No. 2. The announcement sparked cheers and celebrations from supporters on both sides.
“The Sakhu OrBorTor mayor election is being closely watched, as Sakhu Subdistrict is a strategic economic and tourism area in Thalang District, reflecting the strength of grassroots political power,” said an official report of the first day of candidate registrations
“This may influence the future development direction of Sakhu,” the report added.
Sakhu OrBorTor is responsible for areas from Phuket International Airport down to the border with Cherng Talay, and includes Nai Yang Beach.
Polling day has been set for Sunday, Oct 26.