Monchai Wiwatthanat, basked in the floral embrace of his supporters with a victorious grin at Phitsanulok on Sunday. (Photo: Shinawat Singha)
In a thrilling race for the chairman seat of Phitsanulok’s Provincial Administration Organization (PAO), Monchai Wiwatthanat emerged triumphant. His main contender, Siripan Prajak-ubon, backed by the illustrious former deputy House speaker and ex-MFP member Padipat Santipada, couldn’t quite capture the hearts of voters. Monchai garnered an impressive 214,519 votes, significantly outpacing Siripan’s 104,163. Meanwhile, Settha Jittijarurat lagged far behind with just 13,759 votes, as unofficial results revealed on Monday.
The sheer excitement could be felt in the air as 361,642 of the 677,410 eligible voters made their voices heard. This election was particularly poignant, following the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court last week, due to charges of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy. Former MFP members have since rallied under the banner of the People’s Party (PP).
Once expelled from the MFP to maintain his position as deputy House speaker, while ensuring the MFP leader could stand tall as the opposition leader, Mr. Padipat threw his heart and soul into Siripan’s campaign. Having lost his constituency MP seat from last year’s general election due to his previous role on the MFP board, Mr. Padipat had every reason to campaign fervently.
However, the Constitutional Court ruling that shattered the MFP also imposed a decade-long ban on its former board members from engaging in political activities. As the residents of Phitsanulok headed to the polls, the MFP’s leaders implored their supporters to channel their frustration and cast their ballots for candidates aligned with the party in the local and forthcoming general election, set for three years down the line.
As for Monchai, the former PAO chairman, his victory was a sweet homecoming. Pledging to press forward with the policies he championed in his previous tenure, he couldn’t help but note the lower-than-anticipated voter turnout.
On the flip side, Siripan admitted her disappointment after a relentless 35-day campaign, vowing to bring about transformative changes for the province she passionately aimed to serve.
Meanwhile, on his Facebook page, Mr. Padipat graciously extended his congratulations to Monchai, showcasing admirable sportsmanship. Adisorn Piangket, a list MP from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, chimed in, suggesting the PAO election results should be a jarring wake-up call for the PP. He said that mere hype won’t secure victories; party zeal alone won’t suffice without substantive action and connection with the voters.
With the next PAO election slated for September 1 in Ratchaburi, the political landscape remains ripe with captivating drama. Former MFP stalwarts and PP politicians have already hit the campaign trail, gearing up to support their chosen candidates. The race continues, the stakes only growing higher, ensuring Thai politics remains as enthralling as ever.
Monchai winning is a continuation of the same old politics in Phitsanulok. When will we see real change?
Real change comes from people like Padipat and Siripan who are willing to fight for it. Monchai is just more of the status quo.
But isn’t stability sometimes better than radical change? Monchai has experience, and that counts for something.
But stability without progress isn’t helpful either. We need leaders to push forward, not just hold onto power.
Padipat and Siripan didn’t offer anything substantial. Their campaign was more hype than policy.
It’s no surprise Siripan lost. The constitutional court ruling against MFP has significantly impacted their supporter base.
True, but the PP had a chance to mobilize MFP supporters. They just couldn’t get the job done.
Mobilizing a disenfranchised supporter base is easier said than done. The MFP dissolution demoralized many voters.
Monchai’s victory and Settha’s defeat show that Phitsanulok voters prefer experienced politicians over new faces.
Or maybe they just want politicians who can get things done. Experience often equates to effectiveness.
Yet, experience without innovation is just repeating the same mistakes. We need both.
The turnout was lower than expected because people are disillusioned with the whole political system.
Yes, political apathy is a real issue. How can we get people excited about voting again?
Disillusionment happens when there’s no real choice on the ballot. We need better candidates.
I don’t understand why Padipat still has so much influence. He was expelled and continues to meddle.
It’s because people trust him. His expulsion was political maneuvering, not a reflection of his capability.
Monchai’s policy promises better be more than just talk. We’ve heard enough of empty promises.
Politicians always make big promises. Let’s see if Monchai can actually deliver this time.
We have to hold our leaders accountable, otherwise, nothing will change.
The drama unfolding is better than any TV series. Who needs Netflix?
Monchai’s victory feels bittersweet. While he may know the ropes, fresh faces are needed in politics.
I admire Siripan’s courage and sportsmanship. Losing is tough, but she’s handling it with grace.
These results just reflect how divided and confused the Thai electorate is right now.
Or maybe it shows that people are looking for reliable leadership amid chaos. Just another perspective.
True, but reliable leadership should also be dynamic and responsive to change.
Good point. We need reliable leaders who also have a vision for the future.
Next PAO election will be even more interesting. The stakes are higher and politicians need to prove their worth.
It’s time for the PP to rethink their strategy. Relying on MFP supporters won’t be enough in future elections.
Absolutely. They need to directly connect with the voters and listen to their concerns.
Low voter turnout is a huge problem. Makes you wonder if people actually care about who runs the PAO.
It’s not that they don’t care. Many feel their vote doesn’t matter or just don’t believe in the system.
More local leaders need to genuinely engage with the youth. Young voters are the future but they’re often ignored.
So true. Engaging the youth can bring about significant change in politics.
Politics here feel like a merry-go-round. Same faces, same issues. We’re just going in circles.
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? We need to break the cycle somehow.
Absolutely. The question is, how do we break it?