One crucial question is whether the by-elections offer any clues to the result of the next general election. Yes and no, say the analysts. (Photo by Christophe Archambault)

 

By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk

 

Last Sunday’s by-elections in the southern provinces of Songkhla and Chumphon saw fierce battles between the ruling Palang Pracharath and Democrat Party coalition partners.

 

Victory went to the Democrats, who had dominated the South until the last general election in March 2019 when the party lost more than 50 percent of its seats to Palang Pracharath and Bhumjaithai, another coalition partner.

 

Democrat candidate Issarapong Mak-ampai won Chumphon’s Constituency 1 by-election with 49,014 votes, beating Chawalit At-han of Palang Pracharath on 32,281 votes.

 

In Songkhla’s Constituency 6, Democrat Party’s Suphaporn Kamnerdphol garnered 45,576 votes to conquer her Palang Pracharath rival, Anukool Pruksanusak, who bagged 40,531.

 

 

The by-elections were held after the previous incumbents – both Democrat MPs – lost their seats to a court ruling. The Constitutional Court ruled in December that jail terms handed to Songkhla MP Thaworn Senneam and Chumphon MP Chumpol Julsai over their roles in People’s Democratic Reform Committee protests had voided their parliamentary status.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-tale-of-two-by-elections-polls-offer-clues-as-thailand-heads-into-election-countdown/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-19

 

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This is like a watching a suspense thriller where you already know who is going to win...predictable and boring but hey go on....get yourself knocked out!

The Democrats are part of the coalition ,,,,, so it didn't matter which side they voted for, the winner still reports to the same person