Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang stood triumphantly on a pickup truck, warmly thanking his supporters during a lively rally on Friday. He was galvanizing the crowd ahead of the highly-anticipated Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) election set for June 30. The atmosphere was electric as the audience cheered, buoyed by their collective enthusiasm. (Photo: Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang Facebook account)
As it stands, Kamronwit Toopkrajang has taken a slight lead in the fierce contest for the top spot at the Pathum Thani PAO. According to a recent Nida poll, Kamronwit holds the edge with 31.87% support from surveyed voters, leaving his main competitor, Chan Puangpetch, trailing at 28.68%. With just two weeks to go until election day, the race is tighter than ever.
The election is poised to be a nail-biter, partly due to the significant chunk of undecided voters—8.98% to be exact. Additionally, a noteworthy 17.43% of those surveyed intend to vote but remain non-committal to any candidate. These groups could very well swing the final outcome, making every vote crucial.
Kamronwit and Charn are the top contenders among four candidates vying for the esteemed PAO chairman position. The other two candidates barely made a blip on the poll’s radar, drawing minimal support.
Conducted by the National Institute of Development and Administration, the poll reached out to 1,067 eligible voters in Pathum Thani on Tuesday and Wednesday, seeking insights into their preferences and opinions.
This local election has garnered significant attention from political analysts. Many view it as a litmus test for assessing the enduring influence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, especially since his dramatic return from self-exile. Thaksin’s Pheu Thai Party has thrown its weight behind Charn, a seasoned PAO leader aiming to reclaim his throne after Kamronwit’s decisive victory in the 2020 election.
Once allies, Kamronwit and Thaksin have since drifted apart. Kamronwit candidly acknowledges Thaksin’s pivotal role in his ascent to Metropolitan Police Bureau commander, recalling, “I have come this far because of the support from my brother.” This statement referred to Thaksin, who was then a prominent political figure.
Thaksin has made no secret of his backing for Charn. On June 8, while on parole, he presided over a religious ceremony in Thanya Buri district in Pathum Thani, conducted for the son of the Thanya Buri mayor entering monkhood. Charn’s presence at the event alongside Thaksin was a clear signal of their political camaraderie.
The event drew a large number of red-shirt supporters eager to greet Thaksin, generating significant buzz. However, contrary to expectations, the Nida poll released on Sunday indicated that nearly 82% of respondents felt Thaksin’s visit would not sway their voting decision in the upcoming election.
Reflecting on the previous national election, it’s evident that Pheu Thai has experienced substantial shifts in its political standing. The party managed to secure only one out of seven seats in Pathum Thani, with the remaining seats swept away by the Move Forward Party, marking a significant upset.
As the June 30 election nears, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Kamronwit and Charn both vigorously campaigning and the undecided voters holding the cards, Pathum Thani is bracing itself for an exhilarating and unpredictable electoral showdown.
I think it’s great to see such a lively political environment! Kamronwit really seems to have the people’s love and energy behind him.
Sure, but love and energy don’t always translate to effective leadership. Look at his track record.
That’s fair, but sometimes having passionate supporters can lead to more decisive actions and better performance.
Passionate supporters can also mean a lack of scrutiny and accountability. We’ve seen that globally.
Kamronwit does seem to have a strong connection with the people. But let’s not underestimate Charn.
The undecided voters are the key here. They could swing the election in either direction.
Exactly. That’s why candidates need to focus on their platforms and less on attacking each other.
That would be ideal, but mudslinging often wins votes, sadly.
Undecided voters might lean towards someone who promises real change. Charn could capitalize on that.
It’s amusing how Thaksin thinks his involvement will sway the masses. Seems pretty out of touch.
Maybe, but the red-shirt supporters are still a force to be reckoned with.
True, but their numbers have dwindled since his heyday. New political movements are taking over.
Honestly, it’s all about who offers the best future for Pathum Thani, not about past glories.
You’d be surprised. Sometimes, old loyalties swing like a pendulum back into play.
Pheu Thai may be losing steam, but their strategy isn’t completely out of play. Aligning with Charn was smart.
Aligning with Charn could either reinvigorate their base or remind people of old failures. It’s a risky move.
True, but risk can lead to great rewards, especially in politics.
Kamronwit needs to focus on concrete promises rather than just rallies. Substance over style.
I’m undecided myself. Both have pros and cons. Whoever can sway me with a solid plan will get my vote.
It’s interesting how electoral dynamics shift so rapidly. Move Forward Party’s rise could spell trouble for both main contenders.
Absolutely! The newer generations are looking for something different than the old guard can offer.
And that’s why the undecided vote is so unpredictable this time around.
Chan Puangpetch is relying too much on Thaksin’s shadow. He needs to carve his own path.
Local elections matter immensely. Hopefully, Pathum Thani voters make an informed choice.
Informed choices are hard when there’s so much disinformation around.
True, but that’s where individual responsibility comes in. Do your own research!
I find it fascinating that over 80% of respondents claim Thaksin’s visit won’t affect their vote. It speaks to changing political sentiments.
Polls can be misleading. Let’s see what actually happens on June 30.
Definitely. Polls are just a snapshot in time. The ground reality could be different.
Charn’s past experience could be a double-edged sword. He’s familiar, but also tied to past controversies.
Any election is about the future. Both candidates need to focus on what they will do, not what they have done.
Nida poll reaching only 1,067 voters? That’s a really small sample size for such a crucial election.
Small sample sizes can still be indicative if the methodology is sound. Trust the science behind polling.
I do trust the science, but in volatile contexts like elections, a broader sample could provide more accuracy.