The Thalang District Office, which oversaw the election, confirmed that the poll proceeded smoothly and transparently across all eight polling stations in Sakhu, under close supervision by district officials, police and volunteers.
According to the official results, Mr Trin, representing the Love Sakhu Party, secured 2,362 votes, while Mr Ekaphon received 2,212 votes. There were 47 abstentions and 88 invalid ballots.
“The atmosphere throughout the election was orderly, with no reports of irregularities or unrest,” said Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, who personally inspected polling stations during the vote. “All officers performed their duties efficiently to ensure fairness and transparency.”
After the polls closed last night, Mr Trin posted this thanks online. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone in Sakhu Subdistrict… Thank you for your votes, support, and the trust you have placed in me and the entire Rak Sakhu team,” he wrote.
“We are truly grateful for this opportunity and will work with sincerity and determination to continue developing Sakhu Subdistrict for the good of all,” Mr Trin added.
The election was held following Mr Trin’s resignation on Aug 28, which triggered a mandatory vote within 60 days to fill the vacancy.
The Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) confirmed that both the campaign and the voting process complied with the Local Council Members or Local Executives Election Act B.E. 2562 (2019).
Sakhu Subdistrict comprises five main villages — Baan Nai Yang, Baan Trok Muang, Baan Sakhu, Baan Nai Thon and Baan Bang Ma Lao — covering an area stretching from Route 4031, which runs parallel to Phuket International Airport’s runway, to Thepkrasattri Rd, and south to Soi Bang Ma Lao near Nai Thon Beach.
NARROW WIN AFTER CONTROVERSY
Mr Trin’s return to office follows weeks of controversy surrounding his August resignation, which some critics claimed was intended to avoid asset disclosure requirements mandated for public officials at the start and end of their terms.
Under Thai law, local administrators must publicly declare their income and assets to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) both upon assuming and leaving office.
The resignation also coincided with the expanded 180-day rule under Section 61 of the 2019 Election Act, which bars local administrators from authorising new projects or spending during the six months prior to the end of their term.
Many officials nationwide have stepped down early to bypass the rule’s strict financial controls and campaign limitations.
Despite the criticism, Mr Trin maintained strong grassroots support for his record in community development projects, including boat taxi services, career support schemes and sustainable tourism initiatives. His campaign slogan, ‘The real deal, proven winner,’ emphasised continuity and trust.
His opponent, Mr Ekaphon, running under the slogan ‘The Power of Change’, campaigned on a platform of reform in economic development, education, social welfare and youth engagement — promising to bring “fresh ideas and transparent management” to Sakhu.
PREVIOUS SCRUTINY
Mr Trin also came under scrutiny during his last term in 2023, when the Thalang District Chief at the time, Bancha Thanuin, ordered an investigation into 49 unlicensed buildings near Phuket International Airport, 15 of which were located within Sakhu OrBorTor’s jurisdiction.
At the time, Mr Trin stated that the land in question fell under the Royal Forest Department, which had assigned oversight to the Royal Thai Navy, limiting the OrBorTor’s authority to act independently.
“The direct authority isn’t ours. It’s the Forest Department’s responsibility to proceed,” he said in 2023. “We must first submit a request to both the Forest Department and the Navy, because this is not our area.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Following the confirmation of results, Thalang District Office will submit the official report to ECT Phuket for certification before Mr Trin can formally resume his duties as Mayor of Sakhu for a new four-year term.
District Chief Siwat praised the cooperation of local residents and volunteers, calling the election “a model of civic participation”.
“The high turnout shows the strong democratic spirit of Sakhu’s people,” he said. “We are confident that the newly elected mayor will continue to work for the benefit of the community with transparency and integrity.”