Phuket Prepares for Important Local Elections on February 1

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Phuket is gearing up for significant local elections, with final preparations led by Governor Sophon Suwannarat. The elections for the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), including the president and council members, are scheduled for February 1st.

 

During the "Election Big Day" event, organized by the Election Commission of Thailand's Phuket office and the PPAO, Akarawat Sirithanthanakorn, PPAO Secretary and Director of Elections, shared details about the election setup. Voters will choose from three candidates for PPAO President and 58 candidates vying for council seats.

 

The election sees a total of 314,408 eligible to vote for president and 307,317 for council seats. There will be 392 polling stations available across Phuket, divided among Mueang, Thalang, and Kathu districts. Stations will operate from 8am to 5pm on election day.

 

Preparations include training polling staff, readying equipment, and coordinating with agencies like electricity and security to ensure the election runs smoothly, as reported by ECT Phuket Director Orapin Achiwasuk.

 

 

Governor Sophon stressed the importance of democratic participation. "This effort represents joint cooperation to strengthen democracy, encouraging votes that are honest and transparent."

 

Phuket residents are encouraged to vote at their registered stations on Saturday, with officials urging them to choose capable candidates for the province. The event concluded with a vehicle parade featuring 700 participants from various sectors to boost public engagement.

 

Importantly, a ban on alcohol sales and the closure of entertainment venues will be enforced from 6pm on January 31 until 6pm on February 1, in line with Thai law to maintain order during the elections.

 

-- 2025-01-29

 

 

[London Lowf]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Importantly, a ban on alcohol sales and the closure of entertainment venues will be enforced from 6pm on January 31 until 6pm on February 1, in line with Thai law to maintain order during the elections.

 

Left the most important piece until last!

 

Yes, we can all have a day off the beer or raid the fridge, but what must the casual tourists (who may only be visiting for a few days) think of this.

 

Reminds me of the CoViD lockdowns - I've been here for a few election days and Buddha days and the tourist areas become ghost towns and that cannot be good for Thailands reputation or the local businesses income.

[ikke1959]

Like in a good democracy the money is being handout already... 300 to 500 THB for a vote...

[Will B Good]

6 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Like in a good democracy the money is being handout already... 300 to 500 THB for a vote...

 

Beat me to it....crazy.....in our village they just trek around and get a handout from each candidate.

[Scottie12]

Phuket,is bursting at the seams with tourists,it's Chinese New Year and they can't get a drink,unbelievable.