Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat led an event ‒ dubbed the ‘Big Day’ ‒ at the 4,000-seat gymnasium in Saphan Hin on Thursday (May 8) to encourage voter turnout.
Governor Sopon urged all eligible citizens to vote this Sunday between 8am and 5pm at their designated polling stations. He stressed the importance of voting with integrity and avoiding any involvement in vote buying or selling, calling for transparent and accountable local politics.
Following the ceremony, the governor led the launch of a mobile public relations campaign aimed at further promoting voter participation across the province.
The Phuket branch of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) also continued its calls, urging all eligible citizens to cast their votes in the elections, emphasising the critical role local governments play in shaping residents’ daily lives.
Municipalities are tasked with managing essential services such as road maintenance, waste management, local education, urban planning and public health and sanitation. These responsibilities directly affect the well-being of communities across the island.
In addition to providing these vital services, municipalities collect income through local taxes and receive supplemental funding from the central government.
Given this level of authority and responsibility, ECT Phuket in its promotions has highlighted that those elected will wield significant influence over the quality of life in their constituencies.
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Voters across Phuket will choose from a wide range of candidates in several key municipalities. The notable contests include:
- Phuket City Municipality: No.1 Supachoke Laongphet (Rak Phuket Party), and No.2 Phisit Sutthichindawong (Young Turks). Previously incumbent Mayor Saroj Ankanapilas is not running for re-election.
- Ratsada Municipality: No.1 Nakarin Yosangrat, the previously incumbent Mayor (Ratsada Kla Plean), No.2 Jirayut Songyos (Ko Yut Ratsada)
- Wichit Municipality: No.1 Kreetha Chotiwichpipat, previously incumbent Mayor (Pattana Wichit Team)
- Rawai Municipality: No.1 Thames Kraitat (Tum Tay Pattana Rawai). Previously incumbent Mayor Aroon Solos is not running for re-election as he is still facing corruption charges.
- Chalong Municipality: No.1 Thanaporn Triwong, previously incumbent Mayor (‘Ji Nui’ Party), No.2 Samran Jindapol (Chalong Kao Mai Party)
- Karon Municipality: No.1 Jadet Vichirasorn, previously incumbent Mayor (Kata Karon Kao Tor Party), No.2 Nattachai Kanokwongpaisarn (Ko Tee Party), No.3 Itthiphon Sangkaew (Ko Wim Party), No.4 Wallop Nadon (Chaoban Party), No.5 Anurak Yaemkhlai (We Love Kata Karon Party)
- Patong Municipality: No.1 Chalermlak Kebsap (‘Ji Yoi’ or Patong Fah Mai Party), No.2 Lalita Maneesri (Patong Creative Party), No.3 Prakit Keesin (Love Patong Party). Previously incumbent Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri is not running for re-election.
- Srisoonthorn Municipality: No.1 Chalermpon Kerdsap, previously incumbent Mayor (Srisoonthorn Pen Nueng Party).
- Cherng Talay Municipality: No.1 Sunirun Rachataphruek (New Step Party)
- Pa Klok Municipality: No.1 Sattra Kankanok (Pa Khlok Tong Plean Party), No.2 Panya Samphaorat (Pa Klok Kaona Party), No.3 Praphan Thin-Ko-Yaow (Ruam Palang Paklok Party)
- Kathu Municipality: No.1 Rak Kathu Party, No.2 Kathu Ban Rao Party.
- Thepkrasattri Municipality: No.1 New Power Party, No.2 Love Our Home Party
ECT Phuket Director Orapin Achiwasuk explained that the mayoral election for Kathu Municipality was already held last year under special circumstances.
Wannayut Sutthikul became mayor on Jan 14, 2024, and will serve a full four-year term.
“He replaced the previous mayor, who resigned before completing his term [sic ‒ see full story here]. Therefore, there is no mayoral vote this time ‒ only team selections,” she added.
“Similar to Kathu Municipality, Thepkrasattri Municipality already has a sitting mayor. Siricharat Trirat has been in office since Dec 24, 2021,” Ms Orapin noted.
“She has about five months left in her four-year term. So only party voting will take place,” Ms Orapin said.
Suwat Saowarat, Director of the Phuket National Anti-Corruption Commission office (NACC Phuket), confirmed to The Phuket News this week that Panya Sampaorat, Candidate No. 2 in the Pa Khlok mayoral election is still facing ongoing legal proceedings in a corruption case.
“The case has not yet concluded, and no verdict of guilt has been issued,” Mr Suwat said.
“As the legal process is still underway and no final ruling has been made, Mr Panya is presumed innocent under the law and remains eligible to run for election,” he added.
The elections tomorrow will see a ban on the sale of alcohol from 6pm tonight (May 10) to 6pm tomorrow night (May 11) in all areas where municipal elections are being held.
Further, the Buddhist religious day Visakha Bucha Day tomorrow (May 11) will see a ban on the sale of alcohol throughout the country from midnight tonight through to midnight tomorrow night.