The registration period, open until close of government office hours on Friday (Apr 4), attracted early applicants eager to secure their candidacy.
At Phuket City Municipality, two major teams arrived at the registration venue before the official opening at 8:30am.
Suphot La-ongphet, leader of Rak Phuket Party and better known for his very active role as a Phuket Town Deputy Mayor, secured the number 1 spot on the ballot, while Phisit Sutthichindaowong, leader of the Phuket chapter of the ‘Young Turks’ party’ (Khon Noom’), drew number 2.
Their respective municipal council candidates were also assigned numbers based on the draw, with Rak Phuket receiving numbers 1-6 and Young Turks receiving numbers 7-12.
Enthusiastic supporters gathered at the venue, presenting flowers and marigold garlands to encourage the candidates.
Similarly, the Patong Municipality race saw fierce competition with three teams submitting applications.
Pakrit Keesin, leader of the Rak Patong Team, was among the first to arrive, followed by Chalermluck Kebsup of the Patong Fah Mai Team and Lalita Maneesri of the Patong Creative Team.
A draw determined the ballot order, with Ms Kebsup receiving number 1, Ms Maneesri number 2 and Mr Keesin number 3.
In Chalong, Thanaporn Triwong, leader of the Ji Nui Party and who has just completed a term as Chalong Mayor, secured the number 1 position, while previously long-standing Chalong Mayor Samran Jindapol of the Chalong Kao Mai PArty took number 2.
Supporters of both teams turned out in large numbers to show their encouragement.
The upcoming municipal elections, scheduled for May 11, will take place across 10 locations in Phuket, including Phuket Town, Patong Municipality and multiple subdistrict municipalities including Ratsada, Wichit and Rawai.
Additionally, municipal council elections will be held in Kathu and Thepkrasattri Municipality.
High voter turnout is expected, as the elections are shaping up to be a significant event in shaping Phuket’s local governance, said an official report of today’s registrations.
Under election law, the elections will invoke a 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol throughout the country from 6pm May 10 through to 6pm May 11.