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.
These political families need to be dismantled. It’s just corruption breeding more corruption.
Corruption or not, they get things done. Sometimes experience matters.
Experience shouldn’t be an excuse for nepotism. The democratic process is undermined when the same families hold power.
But if they are elected, isn’t that democracy at work? People trust them, right?
It’s not real democracy if the choices are manipulated by entrenched power. We need fresh blood.
I find it funny how the Move Forward Party candidates are always the underdogs. They should concentrate on grassroots rather than targeting big positions.
That’s the Catch-22. They need visibility to grow but can’t get it without winning big positions.
Good point. Maybe they need better marketing strategies and stronger grassroots movements first.
I think they are doing fine. Change takes time and persistence. Look at how long it took for major parties to establish dominance.
It’s hard when you’re up against dynasties with endless resources. Move Forward needs more alliances.
Somsong’s victory is no surprise. Her family has a stronghold in Ayutthaya. Why would anyone think otherwise?
It’s not about surprise; it’s about hoping for change. People wanted Watcharapong to bring fresh perspectives.
Dream on. Fresh perspectives don’t win elections, money and influence do.
Jitthana Yingthaweelapha’s win feels orchestrated. Her brother stepping down was too convenient.
Politics is always a game of strategy. It is what it is.
True, but it doesn’t mean we have to accept these tactics as the norm.
Ethics in politics are as rare as unicorns. At least she’s competent.
Congrats to Thawat Sutthawong! Pheu Thai continues to show its strength in Phayao.
Thawat’s win is just Pheu Thai securing their stronghold. No big deal. Let’s see them win in more competitive areas.
Still, securing strongholds is crucial for any party. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Phayao has always been a political sandbox for Pheu Thai. We need to see more diversity in areas like this.
It’s because the rural areas trust Pheu Thai more. They have a solid track record in these regions.
Why does the media always focus on the winners? What about the challengers and their visions?
How much power do these PAO chairs actually have? Is it really making a difference who wins?
They control local administrative budgets and policies. Pretty significant if you ask me.
Got it. So, basically, they can impact day-to-day life more than national politicians?
Local leaders set the tone for regional developments. It’s more direct than you think.
Makes sense. Maybe we should be more concerned about these elections.
The involvement of young, dynamic candidates like Watcharapong and Sutthipoj can only be good for politics.
Yes, but they keep losing. What does that say about our political system?
It says we have a long way to go before we can move away from dynastic politics.
Move Forward Party should stop wasting resources on these local elections and focus on national-level reforms.
Ignoring local politics is a mistake. Change on the national level starts locally.
True, but they need to prioritize. They’ve got limited resources.
Considering the political landscape, the upcoming Ratchaburi election will be pivotal. MFP might actually win.
I think we need more female leaders like Somsong. Women can bring different perspectives.
This just shows that politics is a hereditary game here. Where’s the meritocracy?
Meritocracy is a myth when it comes to politics anywhere in the world. Power and money talk.
Sad but true. Still, we must keep fighting for a fair system.
The MFP shouldn’t give up. Every loss is a lesson and a step toward eventual victory.
Exactly! Persistence pays off in the long run.
Yes, and they should find ways to connect better with the electorate.
I wish elections were more about policies and less about family legacies and party colors.
Idealistic but not realistic. This is how politics has always worked.
Reality can change if we demand better.
Good for Jitthana. At least she’s qualified and not some puppet.
No matter who wins, it’s the same old rhetoric. When will we see real change?
The focus should be on transparency in these elections. Too many backdoor deals.