The nationwide OrBorTor elections will be held on Sunday, Jan 10, including in Koh Kaew, Mai Khao, Thepkrasattri, Cherng Talay, Kamala and Sakhu.
In Koh Kaew, three candidates registered for the position of OrBorTor chief, while 15 candidates entered the race for council seats. Incumbent chief Keuakiat Jitkeua is running for re-election and has been assigned No 1 on the ballot. Former Moo 4 village head Darunee Sattaman, of the Chuan Chuan party, received No 2 on the ballot.
In Mai Khao, the chief contest remains unopposed, with former chief Sarawut Srikukram the sole candidate. Ten candidates registered for council seats.
In Thepkrasattri, only one chief candidate filed: Sitthichai Chanthawat of the Thepkrasattri Ruamjaipennueng (Unity) party. Sixteen candidates registered for council positions.
In Cherng Talay, the race tightened at the close of registration with the entry of Samart Sake, former mayor and former secretary to the chief. He is running as No 2 on the ballot under the New Gent party. Incumbent Manoch Panchalard, running under the Pun (Sharing) party, is No 1 on the ballot.
Council seat races in Cherng Talay attracted multiple contenders across all six electoral zones, with the highest competition in Moo 5, where four candidates registered.
Cherng Talay continues to face major development pressures, including traffic congestion, infrastructure strain and environmental disputes linked to rapid construction across Bang Tao, Pasak and Layan.
In Kamala, the most competitive chief race emerged, with three candidates registered: Charoon Kobkoi (No 1) of the Kamala Apiwat party, Witsanu Dumluck (No 2) of the Kon Baan Rao party, and Teerawat Salika (No 3) of the Kamala Creative party. Seventeen candidates filed for council seats.
In Sakhu, an out-of-cycle election for chief was already held in October, with Trin ‘Noi’ Panyawai re-elected. Six candidates registered for council positions.
Oraphin Achiwasuk, Director of the Phuket Election Commission, confirmed officers monitored registrations from Dec 1-5 and reported no irregularities.
Polling station details will be announced shortly, she said.
The nationwide elections of OrBorTor officials will invoke a ban on the sale of alcohol in all areas across the country where elections are being held. The ban will be from 6pm Saturday, Jan 10, through to 6pm Sunday, Jan 11.