Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang, holding a microphone and beaming warmly, thanked his supporters from a pickup truck brimming with campaign spirit during a Friday rally aimed at drumming up support for the upcoming Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organisation election. As the crowd cheered back, it was clear that this was no ordinary rally. With the decisive date set for June 30, the anticipation in the air was palpable. (Photo: Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang Facebook account)
According to a recent Nida poll, Kamronwit Toopkrajang has edged slightly ahead of his main competitor, Chan Puangpetch, in the high-stakes race for the chairmanship of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO). With only a couple of weeks remaining before the big day, the poll results released on Sunday showed Kamronwit with the endorsement of 31.87% of surveyed voters, while Mr Charn was supported by 28.68%.
The final outcome could hinge on the decisions of two critical voter groups. The poll highlighted that 8.98% of respondents were still undecided about whom they’d support with their ballots, and a significant 17.43% stated they would vote but not for any of the current candidates.
Kamronwit and Charn are just two of the four competitors vying for the PAO chairman position in this electrifying election, with the other candidates trailing significantly in the polls. The National Institute of Development and Administration (Nida) interviewed 1,067 eligible Pathum Thani voters on Tuesday and Wednesday to gauge their choices and opinions.
This local election has garnered substantial attention as political analysts speculate it might shed light on the influence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who recently returned to Thailand from self-exile. The Pheu Thai Party has placed its bet on Mr Charn, a veteran three-time PAO chairman, aiming to reclaim the position from Kamronwit, who had decisively beaten Charn in the 2020 election.
Interestingly, Kamronwit’s political journey has its roots intertwined with Thaksin. Once a rising star in the police force owing much to Thaksin’s support, Kamronwit advanced to become the Metropolitan Police Bureau commander. “I have come this far because of the support from my brother,” he had once acknowledged, referring to Thaksin.
Unsurprisingly, Thaksin has shown clear signs of backing Mr Charn this time around. The former prime minister, now on parole, recently presided over a religious ceremony in Thanya Buri district, Pathum Thani, commemorating the ordination of the Thanya Buri mayor’s son on June 8, with Mr Charn also present at this high-profile event. A throng of red-shirt members eagerly awaited to catch a glimpse of Thaksin at the venue.
However, the results from the Nida poll suggest that Thaksin’s appearance might have been a damp squib in terms of influencing voter decisions. An overwhelming 82% of respondents in Sunday’s poll indicated that Thaksin’s visit would not sway their choices in the upcoming June 30 election.
Pheu Thai’s grip on Pathum Thani has been wobbly of late. In the previous national election, the party was largely supplanted by the Move Forward Party, managing to secure just one out of the seven seats in the province, with the remaining seats claimed by Move Forward.
The Pathum Thani PAO election is proving to be an electrifying contest of political will and public opinion. With Kamronwit leading by a slender margin and significant portions of the electorate still undecided or opting for none-of-the-above, the June 30 election is shaping up to be a nail-biter. Both seasoned candidates seem locked in a strategic battle for every single vote, making this one local election to watch with bated breath.
I seriously think Kamronwit is the best choice for Pathum Thani. His track record speaks for itself!
Really? He’s just another politician riding on Thaksin’s coattails. We need fresh blood!
Fresh blood is not always good, John. Experience matters, especially in administration.
Agreed, experience does count, but we need innovation too. Kamronwit seems too old school.
Undecided voters should make up their minds already. This election is too important to be indecisive.
Patricia, people need to think carefully. It’s not a decision to be made lightly.
Better to be undecided than to make a wrong choice in haste!
Thaksin’s shadow looms large over this election. Can’t the country just move on?
Thaksin’s influence is unavoidable. He’s got deep roots in our politics.
Yes, but it’s high time for a new chapter, don’t you think?
Chan Puangpetch might just surprise everyone. He’s a veteran and knows the ropes.
I doubt it. He’s been around for too long without real change.
Yeah, Victor, Chan might know the ropes, but he’s part of the old guard. Time for something new.
Why is Pheu Thai still so reliant on Thaksin? Isn’t it time for them to stand on their own?
The party’s whole identity is tied to him. Hard to break away.
It’s sad, really. They have talented people but keep looking back instead of forward.
The poll numbers are so close. This will be a real nail-biter!
Agreed! I feel like even a small incident could change everything.
Why is there so much hype about this election anyway? It’s just local politics.
Local politics affect our daily lives more than national ones sometimes. Don’t underestimate their importance.
Anyone but Kamronwit. We need someone who doesn’t have a controversial past.
Isn’t it funny how undecided voters can still tilt the balance so late in the game?
That’s democracy for you. Every vote counts!
True enough, but it’s frustrating how people wait until the last minute to decide.
No matter who wins, there will still be a need for massive reforms in PAO.
I think Kamronwit’s past with Thaksin is actually an asset. Political connections matter.
Or it could be a liability, Jenny. People don’t forget controversies easily.
Chan Puangpetch is the safer option. He’s less likely to get caught in scandals.
The poll shows Kamronwit is leading, but anything can happen before Election Day.
I just hope whoever wins will focus on improving local infrastructure and services.
If Thaksin’s visit didn’t influence the polls, it shows people are tired of his antics.
I still believe Kamronwit has the upper hand. His campaign is more energetic.
Hard to say who’ll win, but I think Pheu Thai’s problems reflect larger national issues.
Agree, Jason. This election might be a microcosm of where our national politics are heading.
Politics is so divisive these days. Can’t we just have a straightforward, clean election?