The OrBorTor elections, to be held nationwide on Jan 10, will be held in six tambon (‘subdistricts’) in Phuket: Koh Kaew, Mai Khao, Thepkrasattri, Cherng Talay, Kamala and Sakhu.
In Koh Kaew, two candidates have registered for the position of OrBorTor Chief (often also called ‘Mayor’, but in Thailand with a lesser distinction), and 10 candidates have registered for council seats.
Previously serving Koh Kaew OrBorTor Chief Keuakiat Jitkeua has registered to run for re-election, and has been given No 1 on the ballot. So far the only other contender is Darunee Sattaman, a former Moo 4 village head running under the ‘Chuan Chuan’ party, who has been given No 2 on the ballot.
Mai Khao remains uncontested for the top seat, with former chief Sarawut Srikukram registering as the sole candidate, while eight people have entered the race for council positions.
Thepkrasattri also has a single candidate for Chief, Sitthichai Chanthawat of the Thepkrasattri Ruamjaipennueng party (the ‘Unity’ party), along with 14 candidates seeking council seats.
Cherng Talay likewise maintains only one Chief candidate, Manoch Panchalard of the ‘Pun’ (Sharing) party, who registered is intent to run for re-election on Monday, and six people running for council.
Kamala continues to record the highest level of competition, with three Chief candidates registered: Charoon Kobkoi of the Kamala Apiwat party (the ‘Development’ party), No 1 on the ballot; Witsanu Dumluck of the Kon Baan Rao team (‘Our home’ party), No 2; and Teerawat Salika of the Kamala Creative party, No 3 on the ballot. Seventeen candidates have filed for council seats.
In Sakhu, an out-of-cycle election for the position of Chief were already held in October,
In Sakhu, an out-of-cycle election for the position of Chief was already held in October, with Trin ‘Noi’ Panyawai re-elected, leaving only council seats in contention, for which six candidates have registered so far.
Oraphin Achiwasuk, Director of the Phuket branch of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket), said officers are monitoring registrations from Dec 1–5 at all five OrBorTor offices where elections are to be held.
Polling station details will be announced after the close of registrations, Ms Oraphin said.
The nationwide OrBorTor elections will also bring a mandatory alcohol sales ban in all constituencies where polls are held.
The ban will be enforced from 6pm on Saturday, Jan 10, until 6pm on Sunday, Jan 11, covering all areas within each subdistrict’s boundaries.