The charismatic leader of the People’s Party (PP), Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, took center stage recently as he eloquently discussed navigating the economy through the turbulent waters of global and domestic challenges at an engaging party-organized discussion on April 30. But despite the glimmering optimism projected by such conversations, the PP suffered significant losses in the Sunday municipality elections, signaling a sobering moment for the party. Political pundits are now calling this a pivotal moment, a critical wake-up call for the People’s Party to regroup and strategize more effectively, given the looming general elections on the horizon.
Last Sunday’s elections were a monumental event, spanning across a staggering 2,463 municipalities nationwide, including 33 Nakhon municipalities, 213 Muang municipalities, and an impressive 2,217 Tambon municipalities. A total of 4,558 mayoral candidates and an overwhelming 60,515 aspiring municipal council members vied for 2,128 mayoral seats and 33,346 municipal councilor positions left vacant by outgoing officials whose terms ended on March 27.
The fervor surrounding these elections was palpable, as stories of intense rivalries between local political dynasties and formidable contenders backed by major national parties, like the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the opposition PP, dominated the headlines. The latest unofficial poll results indicated that familiar faces known for holding sway as former mayors emerged victorious, taking the lead in key battlegrounds.
One standout winner was Assanee Buranupakorn from Pheu Thai, who was backed by political heavyweights like former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Assanee triumphed over PP’s Thirawut Kaewfong, cementing his comeback as Chiang Mai’s mayor. Meanwhile, Wichai Bandasak, a former mayor of Nonthaburi’s Nakhon Pak Kret, secured a win over PP’s Passakorn Thitithanawanich, as unofficial poll results illuminated.
Adding to their setbacks, the PP faced yet another defeat in Nakhon Ratchasima, where Wannarat Charnnukul thwarted Yutthapong Supattarawanich, the PP’s hopeful contender, from clinching the municipal mayor seat. The Nakhon municipality elections brought little comfort to the PP, as their 15 mayoral candidates struggled to make headway, succumbing to defeats in all crucial battlegrounds.
While the PP secured some victories in smaller contests, winning five mayoral seats in the Muang municipality and nine in the tambon municipality elections, these successes were dwarfed by the party’s high expectations. Unofficial results from Nakhon Pathom further illustrated the narrow margins and heightened competition, with the Santi Tham group’s Somchok Pongkwan clinching victory over the PP’s Chatchawal Nanthasarn by a slim difference of 1,126 votes.
Political analyst Wanwichit Boonprong from Rangsit University highlighted an enduring theme from these elections: the entrenched position of local political dynasties. In a conversation with the Bangkok Post, Boonprong expressed that these dynasties firmly grasp local power, making it remarkably challenging for fresh faces or alternative candidates, like those from the PP, to prevail.
“Local voters appear steadfast in their support for familiar figures,” Wanwichit lamented, emphasizing that even though the PP saw victories in smaller municipalities, they failed to make substantial inroads in the larger Nakhon municipality elections.
Meanwhile, Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the Political and Public Policy Analysis Institute, didn’t shy away from delivering a candid assessment. “The People’s Party fielded 94 mayoral candidates and emerged victorious in only about 13-14 instances—merely scraping through with less than 15% success,” he noted. Sriyakul urged that the party must come to terms with the decreasing trajectory of its once-soaring popularity, which gained remarkable momentum in the 2023 general election, winning a staggering 14 million votes.
“The disparities between local and national polls can no longer serve as an excuse,” he cautioned, while acknowledging other parties’ burgeoning efforts to recruit the younger generation, further amplifying the competition for youthful voter support.
He emphasized the critical importance of consistency for any political party’s success. “A party need not always emerge at the top in every poll, but the thread of persistence is imperative. Without it, one risks faltering when it counts the most,” Sriyakul concluded, as the PP embarks on its journey of introspection and recalibration.
The People’s Party really needs to figure out their strategy if they want any chance in the general elections. They can’t rest on their past success. They need a solid plan for the future.
I agree to some extent, Larry, but isn’t it a bit early to call it quits for PP? They’ve faced setbacks, sure, but they’re adapting to the political landscape.
I’m not saying they should give up, but they need to be realistic. They need renewal in leadership and policies that resonate with the changing demographics.
It’s not surprising to see political dynasties winning again. These families know the local issues and people trust them. It’s hard for new faces to compete without real connections.
That’s the problem, isn’t it? These dynasties create stagnation. Fresh perspectives are essential for progress, but people are just too comfortable with the status quo.
True, but maybe that’s what the voters want – stability over change. Change for the sake of it doesn’t always work out.
The coverage of these elections is all about political drama rather than real issues affecting the community. Why don’t we hear about policies that impact day-to-day life?
Because drama sells! Just look at the headlines—it’s all about who’s fighting who. Real journalism has taken a back seat to sensationalism.
Exactly, Jo. It’s frustrating for those of us who want substance over spectacle! Let’s hope there will be more focus on actual policy issues leading up to the general elections.
The People’s Party needs to appeal more to the younger voters if they want to survive. The world is changing, and they need to be on top of the new trends.
But isn’t the PP already trying to connect with younger voters? I think their problem is they’re not doing it convincingly.
True that, Thorn. They’re trying, but it feels forced. Young voters can see through the facade. They need genuine engagement, not just flashy slogans.
Why are we surprised when the People’s Party struggles? They’ve been complacent, relying too much on their past popularity. It’s time for new leadership!
But new leadership means risking internal conflicts too, which is the last thing they need right now.
True, MThai, but without taking that risk, they’ll eventually fade into irrelevance. Balancing experience with fresh energy is key.
This is a classic story of David vs Goliath, only this time David didn’t win. Established political figures have resources and networks that newcomers simply can’t match.
Yeah, and that’s what makes politics so frustrating. New ideas are always getting crushed under the weight of old money and connections.
It seems like the People’s Party is trying to bite off more than they can chew, spreading their resources too thin across too many municipalities.
Regardless of their losses, it’s clear that the People’s Party still has significant grassroots support. Their challenge will be translating that local support into national success.
Yutthapong losing in Nakhon Ratchasima was a huge blow. They need to invest in stronger candidates who can actually win against formidable opponents.
I have my doubts about PP’s future prospects. They’re losing key battles, which could indicate a complete breakdown in strategy.