People’s Party candidate Nathachanon Chanaburanasak, with a confident smile, snapped a selfie with an enthusiastic supporter this Saturday. He was out rallying ahead of the highly anticipated Sunday by-election in Phitsanulok’s Constituency 1. His goal? To keep the cherished seat, originally snagged by the Move Forward Party last year, firmly in “orange” hands. (Photo: Chinnawat Singha)
As tension escalates, Phitsanulok braces for a fierce electoral battle this Sunday. The by-election, spurred by the political fallout following Padipat Santipada’s ten-year disqualification, has captured the nation’s attention. Santipada’s political career took an unexpected turn when the Constitutional Court, in a sweeping decision last August, dissolved the Move Forward Party and handed down decade-long bans to 11 executive members. Their alleged crime? Proposing amendments to the lese-majeste law—a move considered a threat to Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.
Despite his strategic attempt to sidestep the ban by orchestrating an expulsion from the party to clinch a deputy speaker’s position, Mr. Padipat couldn’t escape the long arm of the law. His absence leaves a gaping void. The path to filling that void, however, is lined with intense competition and high stakes.
In the bustling May 2023 election, a cacophony of 15 ambitious candidates jostled for supremacy. Mr. Padipat emerged victorious with a substantial 40,842 votes. In his wake were Adunwit Wiwatthanat of Palang Pracharath, who garnered 19,096 votes, and Natthasat Champhunot of Pheu Thai, who secured 18,180 votes. Fast forward to today, and the race narrows dramatically—now it’s a nail-biting duel between Nathachanon Chanaburanasak of the People’s Party, inheriting the legacy of Move Forward, and Chadet Chanthara of the Pheu Thai Party.
With both the main opposition and the ruling party battling tooth and nail for the prestigious seat, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. But amidst the clamor and strife, a serene confidence pervaded the scene on Saturday. According to Election Commission (EC) chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong, the absence of complaints was a promising sign that the election might proceed without a hitch.
As the sun rises on Sunday, voting booths will open their doors at 8am sharp across 208 polling stations, offering voters until 5pm to cast their decision. The ballet count is predicted to wrap up in an efficient one and a half hours, thanks to the manageable number of eligible voters at each station, ranging between 100 and 200 participants, Mr. Ittiporn elaborated. Enthusiastic voters and curious onlookers alike can expect the unofficial results to start trickling in between 8pm and 9pm.
Constituency 1, home to 138,705 eligible voters, boasts a laudable history of civic engagement. Last year’s election saw an impressive 75.2% turnout, and today’s event is anticipated to attract a similarly significant crowd, he added.
I’m rooting for Nathachanon! The People’s Party needs to maintain that seat to push for real change!
Not sure how you think the People’s Party can offer any real change. They are just another version of the same old politics.
JohnD34 But at least they are willing to challenge the lese-majeste law. That’s a big deal for democracy!
Alice B. Challenging the lese-majeste law is just a gimmick. They won’t achieve anything substantial with it.
People’s Party all the way! We need leaders who will stand up for the people, not bow to the elites.
Why isn’t anyone talking about Chadet Chanthara from Pheu Thai? He has a more consistent track record!
True, but isn’t Pheu Thai part of the establishment too? We need newer voices.
Elena R. New voices are fine, but they need to be capable. Experience matters.
We need less experience if it’s from corrupt politicians. Give the new leaders a chance.
This election won’t change anything. The entire system is rigged against real reform.
cynicism won’t get us anywhere. Participate if you want change.
Larry Davis It’s not cynicism; it’s reality. The elites control everything.
Larry Davis while I agree with participating, we can’t ignore the severely flawed system.
The absence of complaints is laughable. It’s more likely that people are too scared to speak up.
Olivia K Can’t argue with that. Fear is a powerful silencer.
Or maybe people are genuinely happy with the process?
marshal786 Doubt it. When has the absence of complaints ever equated to satisfaction in Thai politics?
Truth be told, both scenarios seem plausible. People might be satisfied, or just exhausted.
Don’t underestimate the power of this by-election. A lot can change depending on who wins.
David W. Agreed! Every single seat counts in these turbulent times.
David W. But will it be change for the better? Hard to say.
The whole situation with Padipat Santipada is such a mess. The guy was just trying to do his job!
Rachel M. The law is the law. He gambled and lost.
Mike B. Laws can be unjust! That’s why political reform is crucial.
Rachel M. And yet, without laws, there is no order. It’s a fine balance.
Mike B. Maybe it’s the law that’s at fault here.
I’m surprised at the high voter turnout in Phitsanulok. People here are more engaged than I thought.
EthanP It’s refreshing to see such civic engagement. Gives me hope!
How can Nathachanon even claim any legacy from Padipat? Different party, different values.
Giovanni R. It’s all about strategic alliances, not values.
Nina S And that’s the problem! Where’s the integrity in that?
Politics has always been about strategy. Complaining about it won’t change that.
Athena If we don’t push for integrity, we’re just perpetuating the same issues.
Honestly, does it matter which party wins? Both are likely to get bogged down by the same political issues.
Matthew D. Apathy is what got us here in the first place.
Fayez Apathy or realism? I choose to be realistic.
Fayez You’re right. The moment we stop caring, we lose any chance for progress.
People’s Party or Pheu Thai—either way, we are still facing systematic issues that no single election can fix.
It’s interesting to see such a tight race after last year’s landslide victory for Move Forward. Shows how quickly political landscapes can change.
Props to Nathachanon for staying positive even as the stakes are so high. That’s the spirit we need right now!
Leon Is staying positive enough? We need action, not just optimism.
Jordan L A positive attitude is the first step toward taking decisive action!
The elections in Thailand always seem so dramatic. Is it the same in other countries?
Isabella H. Every country has its own brand of political drama!
Isabella H. True. But Thai politics does seem especially intense!
Whatever happens, let’s hope for a peaceful election day with transparent results.