Parit Wacharasindhu, a People’s Party member of the House of Representatives, has already noted that the election being held on a Saturday might affect voters.
However, Mr Parit explained that by law elections must be held within 45 days of the current incumbents’ term in office expiring. This year, the 45th day falls on the Sunday. Hence the election must be held on the Saturday, Mr Parit said, the PEC explained in its announcement.
“The reason the Election Commission did not set the election date for Sunday, Jan 26, 2025 is because there must be an announcement of the new electoral districts for members of the provincial administrative organisations in 76 provinces, and there is a period for candidates to go to the area to create understanding with the people and campaign for the election,” the notice read.
The run-up to the election must also allow the Election Commission time to comply with election law, such as checking the qualifications and disqualifications of candidates, and determining the rights of candidates, the notice added.
“And this election is a nationwide election with approximately 90,000 polling stations that must send ballot boxes to the locations specified by the provincial administrative organisations. If it exceeds the aforementioned time, it may not be in accordance with the Local Government Election Act B.E. 2562,” the notice continued.
Candidates will be allowed to register for the election from Dec 23-27.
“The election director of the provincial administrative organisation must check the qualifications and prohibited characteristics of candidates within seven days from the closing date of applications (Jan 3, 2025),” the notice confirmed.
The PEC must publicly post the list of vetted candidates by Jan 6.
PEC Director Onphin Achivasuk confirmed in August that there will be 24 PPAO electoral districts across Phuket. The breakdown includes 14 voting districts in Mueang Phuket District, seven in Thalang District and three in Kathu District.
The current terms of the elected members of the PPAO Council and the PPAO President will end on Dec 19, 2024.
Current PPAO President Rewat Areerob, representing the ‘Phuket Yatdai Party’, was elected to office in the PPAO election held on Dec 20, 2020.
In total, the Phuket Yatdai Party secured 20 of the 24 seats available on the PPAO Council, while the Khon Baan Rao Party secured three seats, and the Gao Na Party secured just one seat.
In accordance with election law in Thailand, there will be a 24-ban on the sale of alcohol for the election. The ban will be in effect from 6pm the day before the election (Jan 31) through to 6pm the day of the election (Feb 1).
The ban applies to all people in the country. Those caught violating the ban can face a result in a fine of up to B10,000 or even up to six months in jail, or both.