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Ban Yai Political Families Secure Major PAO Election Wins in Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Phayao

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In the latest wave of electoral excitement, the powerful “Ban Yai” political families have once more demonstrated their dominance, clinching victories in the election of provincial administration organization (PAO) chairs across three notable provinces: Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Phayao. These riveting PAO contests were vibrant battlegrounds as candidates aligned with major government parties—Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation Party, and Pheu Thai Party—emerged as the unofficial winners.

In the storied province of Ayutthaya, the seasoned political powerhouse Somsong Phancharoenworakul savored a decisive triumph. With a remarkable record under her belt as a five-time chairwoman of the Ayutthaya PAO, Somsong left her contender, Watcharapong Radomsittipat, in the dust. Watcharapong, a former chairman of the tambon Ban Mai administrative organization (TAO), ran under the Kao Mai Ayutthaya group and adopted the invigorating hue of orange, reminiscent of the Move Forward Party. However, Somsong’s unyielding influence was apparent as she amassed an impressive 245,457 votes against Watcharapong’s 114,063. Somsong’s political lineage is pronounced, with her son Surasak Phancharoenworakul serving as a Bhumjaithai MP and Deputy Education Minister, and her niece Pimprueda Tanjararak also holding an MP seat for the party.

Moving to Chai Nat, the political saga continued with Jitthana Yingthaweelapha’s strategic ascendancy. The sister of United Thai Nation Party MP Anucha Nakasai, Jitthana outmaneuvered her adversary, Sutthipoj Chue-apaiwong, a former MP hopeful for the Move Forward Party (MFP). The unofficial tally saw Jitthana secure 62,860 votes, comfortably ahead of Sutthipoj’s 44,690. The political maneuver to force an early election by her brother, Anusorn Nakasai, stepping down as PAO chairman, undoubtedly paid off with Jitthana’s victory.

In the picturesque province of Phayao, the winds of change favored Thawat Sutthawong, who vied for the PAO seat under the Pheu Thai Party’s iconic banner. With a commendable 174,669 votes, Thawat triumphed over his opponent, Chaiprapan Singchai, who garnered 35,172 votes with the backing of the MFP. Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra even took to Instagram to extend her congratulations to Thawat, solidifying the celebration of his victory. Thawat’s victory also underscores his close association with Akara Prompow, brother of Capt Thamanat Prompow, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) secretary-general. Phayao is well-known as Capt Thamanat’s political bastion. Although initially unveiled as the Pheu Thai candidate for the PAO chair, Akara had a change of heart, passing the baton to Thawat, who ultimately clinched the win.

Political pundits predict a slew of PAO elections scheduled for early next year as numerous PAO chairs resign to compel early elections, leaving the Move Forward Party (MFP) to grapple with these surprising developments. Notably, MFP-aligned candidates have been participating in these PAO elections as independents, adding an intriguing twist.

The next PAO election to watch closely is in Ratchaburi, slated for September 1. The resignation of Wiwat Nitikanchan, the PAO chair and spouse of PPRP MP Boonying Nitikanchana, has paved the way for this election. The MFP-backed candidate, Chairat Sakissarapong, a local businessman, is set to challenge the status quo, promising yet another electrifying contest.

The dynamic interplay of political strategies, family legacies, and party affiliations continues to shape the political landscape in these provinces, promising an enthralling journey for both seasoned political observers and the general public. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds further into the realm of provincial politics.

48 Comments

  1. Sophie M August 6, 2024

    These political families need to be dismantled. It’s just corruption breeding more corruption.

    • TTaylor August 6, 2024

      Corruption or not, they get things done. Sometimes experience matters.

      • Dr. Smith August 6, 2024

        Experience shouldn’t be an excuse for nepotism. The democratic process is undermined when the same families hold power.

    • IvanP August 6, 2024

      But if they are elected, isn’t that democracy at work? People trust them, right?

      • Sophie M August 6, 2024

        It’s not real democracy if the choices are manipulated by entrenched power. We need fresh blood.

  2. Ananda Sharma August 6, 2024

    I find it funny how the Move Forward Party candidates are always the underdogs. They should concentrate on grassroots rather than targeting big positions.

    • Kwan August 6, 2024

      That’s the Catch-22. They need visibility to grow but can’t get it without winning big positions.

      • Ananda Sharma August 6, 2024

        Good point. Maybe they need better marketing strategies and stronger grassroots movements first.

    • Peter J August 6, 2024

      I think they are doing fine. Change takes time and persistence. Look at how long it took for major parties to establish dominance.

      • MayaLee August 6, 2024

        It’s hard when you’re up against dynasties with endless resources. Move Forward needs more alliances.

  3. RetroRita August 6, 2024

    Somsong’s victory is no surprise. Her family has a stronghold in Ayutthaya. Why would anyone think otherwise?

    • Jasmine August 6, 2024

      It’s not about surprise; it’s about hoping for change. People wanted Watcharapong to bring fresh perspectives.

      • Max43 August 6, 2024

        Dream on. Fresh perspectives don’t win elections, money and influence do.

  4. Chaninee August 6, 2024

    Jitthana Yingthaweelapha’s win feels orchestrated. Her brother stepping down was too convenient.

    • Arjun August 6, 2024

      Politics is always a game of strategy. It is what it is.

      • Chaninee August 6, 2024

        True, but it doesn’t mean we have to accept these tactics as the norm.

    • WiseOwl August 6, 2024

      Ethics in politics are as rare as unicorns. At least she’s competent.

  5. George Harris August 6, 2024

    Congrats to Thawat Sutthawong! Pheu Thai continues to show its strength in Phayao.

    • Karen L August 6, 2024

      Thawat’s win is just Pheu Thai securing their stronghold. No big deal. Let’s see them win in more competitive areas.

      • George Harris August 6, 2024

        Still, securing strongholds is crucial for any party. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

    • DeepThinker August 6, 2024

      Phayao has always been a political sandbox for Pheu Thai. We need to see more diversity in areas like this.

      • Chris89 August 6, 2024

        It’s because the rural areas trust Pheu Thai more. They have a solid track record in these regions.

  6. Brianna_123 August 6, 2024

    Why does the media always focus on the winners? What about the challengers and their visions?

  7. Pat August 6, 2024

    How much power do these PAO chairs actually have? Is it really making a difference who wins?

    • TommyB August 6, 2024

      They control local administrative budgets and policies. Pretty significant if you ask me.

      • Pat August 6, 2024

        Got it. So, basically, they can impact day-to-day life more than national politicians?

    • Florence August 6, 2024

      Local leaders set the tone for regional developments. It’s more direct than you think.

      • Pat August 6, 2024

        Makes sense. Maybe we should be more concerned about these elections.

  8. Nisha August 6, 2024

    The involvement of young, dynamic candidates like Watcharapong and Sutthipoj can only be good for politics.

    • SaraLee August 6, 2024

      Yes, but they keep losing. What does that say about our political system?

      • Nisha August 6, 2024

        It says we have a long way to go before we can move away from dynastic politics.

  9. Railmn August 6, 2024

    Move Forward Party should stop wasting resources on these local elections and focus on national-level reforms.

    • Jen_N August 6, 2024

      Ignoring local politics is a mistake. Change on the national level starts locally.

      • Railmn August 6, 2024

        True, but they need to prioritize. They’ve got limited resources.

  10. FredrickM August 6, 2024

    Considering the political landscape, the upcoming Ratchaburi election will be pivotal. MFP might actually win.

  11. Mae_Lyn August 6, 2024

    I think we need more female leaders like Somsong. Women can bring different perspectives.

  12. Victor Kyle August 6, 2024

    This just shows that politics is a hereditary game here. Where’s the meritocracy?

    • Emily Hart August 6, 2024

      Meritocracy is a myth when it comes to politics anywhere in the world. Power and money talk.

    • Victor Kyle August 6, 2024

      Sad but true. Still, we must keep fighting for a fair system.

  13. GregG August 6, 2024

    The MFP shouldn’t give up. Every loss is a lesson and a step toward eventual victory.

    • Jessica12 August 6, 2024

      Exactly! Persistence pays off in the long run.

    • GregG August 6, 2024

      Yes, and they should find ways to connect better with the electorate.

  14. Mary P. August 6, 2024

    I wish elections were more about policies and less about family legacies and party colors.

    • John.Doe August 6, 2024

      Idealistic but not realistic. This is how politics has always worked.

      • Mary P. August 6, 2024

        Reality can change if we demand better.

  15. Hunter August 6, 2024

    Good for Jitthana. At least she’s qualified and not some puppet.

  16. Chris T. August 6, 2024

    No matter who wins, it’s the same old rhetoric. When will we see real change?

  17. Victoria L. August 6, 2024

    The focus should be on transparency in these elections. Too many backdoor deals.

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