The vibrant atmosphere in Nakhon Si Thammarat reached a crescendo on Saturday as Kongkiat Ketsobat, the star of the Klatham Party, gracefully took a knee on stage, expressing heartfelt gratitude to throngs of supporters. This gesture, capturing the essence of humility and appreciation, unfolded amidst the flurry of last-ditch campaigning, setting the stage for Sunday’s highly anticipated by-election. As the sun set over this southern Thai province, an air of optimism lingered, and the Klatham Party’s spirits soared.
By Sunday evening, enthusiasm rippled through the Klatham ranks as the Election Commission (EC) delivered a delightful announcement: Kongkiat Ketsobat had emerged victorious with an impressive 38,680 votes. This triumphant moment marked a significant milestone for Kongkiat, whose closest contender, Sawai Lueangsinil from the Bhumjaithai Party, trailed behind with 28,417 votes. Interestingly, the People’s Party’s Nattakit Yuduang clinched third place with 6,811 votes, leaving the seasoned Democrat Chinnaworn Booyakiat with a mere 4,190 votes to his tally.
While the victory awaits official ratification by EC approval, it already echoes loudly through the political corridors. The constituency in question, known as Constituency 8, encompasses the Chawang, Phipun, Na Bon, and Chang Klang districts. On this fateful Sunday, approximately 70% of the eligible voters exercised their democratic right, a testament to the province’s electoral passion and commitment.
The by-election was precipitated by the ousting of Bhumjaithai MP Mukdawan Luengsinil, who was handed down a 10-year political ban by the Criminal Court for vote buying. Her attempt to pass the baton to her husband saw it drop pitifully short, ushering in a new victor in Kongkiat. Fascinatingly, the ripple effect of familial connections unfolds as Mr. Kongkiat is also the son-in-law of the fallen Democrat candidate, Chinnaworn, bringing a full-circle moment to the narrative.
This victory is not only a feather in the cap for Mr. Kongkiat but also a breakthrough moment for the Klatham Party in Nakhon Si Thammarat, marking its maiden success in this region. The party, under the de facto leadership of Thamanat Prompow, basks in the revelry of this landslide win, which he believes underscores the burgeoning trust and confidence the constituents have vested in Klatham. “I have set the foot of Klatham here,” he exuberantly declared, envisioning a robust future for the party in Nakhon Si Thammarat and beyond.
Narumon Pinyosinwat, the charismatic leader of Klatham, took to the limelight, echoing profound gratitude to the voters. “Thanks to the voters, we’ve taken a giant leap in this province,” she beamed, already setting the stage for future victories with significant aplomb.
Nakhon Si Thammarat, boasting ten constituencies, has been a political battleground shared among the Democrat, Palang Pracharath, Bhumjaithai, and United Thai Nation Parties since the 2023 general election. However, with this fresh wind of change blowing through the province, the Klatham Party is ready to make its mark and potentially reshuffle the political deck with a delightful twist of events that keeps spectators on their toes.
In this dynamic electoral theater, as the sun sets and rises again on Nakhon Si Thammarat, the narrative is evolving with captivating intensity and fervor. Henceforward, all eyes will keenly observe how Klatham capitalizes on this newfound foothold, with promises of more thrilling political spectacles waiting to unfold. Could this be the start of an exciting new chapter in Nakhon’s political narrative? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: in this province, politics is anything but predictable.
I can’t believe how easily Kongkiat won! Something’s fishy about this election.
It seems pretty straightforward to me. The people just wanted change.
Change or not, Kongkiat being the son-in-law of Chinnaworn is quite the plot twist!
This win for Klatham Party could shake things up in Nakhon Si Thammarat!
Isn’t it questionable that someone from the same family always manages to get elected? Politics as usual.
It’s called name recognition. Voters go with what they know.
I find it refreshing that so many people showed up to vote. That’s real democracy in action!
Seeing the Klatham Party win here feels more like a hopeful chapter than a political strategy.
That’s true, but hope doesn’t govern well. Let’s see through actions and policies.
Exactly, promises are nice but they will need to deliver real results.
A lot of people seem to be ignoring the fact that the previous MP was ousted for vote buying. That’s huge!
Good point! Maybe that’s why Klatham is pushing for clean politics.
Maybe, but old habits die hard in politics.
Nakhon Si Thammarat voters must be the real winners here, getting rid of corrupt candidates and electing someone new.
I think Klatham’s success will force other parties to reform their strategies.
Things are getting interesting in Thai politics, Klatham might just pave the way for a new political landscape.
For all our sakes, I hope they bring the change efficiently and ethically.
Seems like a big win, but what will Kongkiat actually do once in office? That’s the real question.
It’s all about the campaigning, but as you said, governing is a bigger challenge.
Kongkiat’s victory rally was so moving! It really felt like a new beginning for the region.
Not really into politics, but this sounds like a big deal for that region.
Let’s hope Kongkiat brings real development to the province, not just empty promises.
Exactly! We can’t afford any more hollow political agendas.
Though I have my doubts, I’ll keep an open mind. Here’s hoping Kongkiat actually makes a difference this time.
With all the focus on areas that were overlooked, I can’t wait to see what they do next!