Pheu Thai Dominates Provincial Elections with Bhumjaithai Trailing

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: CH3 News

 

In a significant display of political strength, the ruling Pheu Thai Party has secured the majority of the seats in the recent provincial administrative organisation (PAO) elections in Thailand. The elections, held on Sunday across 47 of the nation's 77 provinces, saw Pheu Thai claiming presidential positions in 18 provinces. Bhumjaithai, a coalition partner, followed closely with 12 seats, marking a notable achievement in the local political landscape.

 

The PAO elections are crucial in Thailand, shaping the governance of provinces beyond the central oversight. They provide a measure of the current political climate and public opinion towards ruling and opposition parties. These elections have reaffirmed the influence of Pheu Thai, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reinforcing its leading position within the political sphere.

 

Bhumjaithai's performance, securing the second-highest number of seats, further solidifies its role as a key player in Thai politics. Independent candidates emerged as a distinct force, capturing six PAO presidential seats. This suggests a growing trend towards independent local governance or dissatisfaction with traditional party politics among some voters.

 

Despite being a potent force historically, the main opposition, known as the People’s Party, only managed to win a single seat, in Lamphun. This outcome has surprised many, highlighting potential challenges for the party and perhaps signalling a need for strategic reconsideration in forthcoming contests.

The Democrat Party, another well-established entity, garnered four seats, maintaining its regional influence, particularly in the south. Chartthaipattana and Prachachat each secured two seats, while Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation picked up one seat apiece.

 

Interestingly, political dynamics were underscored by the involvement of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who actively campaigned for Pheu Thai candidates alongside his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn. Thaksin's influence, especially evident in the northern provinces like Chiang Mai, where Pheu Thai won narrowly, continues to resonate in Thai political circles. However, in Chiang Rai, another northern stronghold, Pheu Thai fell short despite Thaksin's efforts.

 

These elections reflect the strategic importance of provincial seats in the broader constellation of Thai politics, where local issues blend with national narratives. With the conversion of public sentiment into political power, Pheu Thai's performance signals a robust base of support as it navigates an evolving political environment.

 

As the dust settles on this round of elections, the results underscore both the shifting allegiances within Thailand's electorate and the enduring influence of established players. With 32 Thai Baht to 1 US Dollar today, the financial dynamics continue to play a pivotal role in how political decisions impact local economies, making PAO elections pivotal in directing provincial development and growth, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-02

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Most Thai people still love Thaksin.

I suspect that it will take another coup or a political court case to remove him.

[ikke1959]

Not surprising by giving the handout of 10k to 60 years and older people just before the elections, combined with the hand outs everywhere. Other parties don't get a chance as the Government has nothing done yet so the opposition could not come in the picture.

[Pouatchee]

well that sucks... if it is a sign of things to come...

[Ben Zioner]

3 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

well that sucks... if it is a sign of things to come...

Yeah the 10000, so subtle, scheme has been highly successful..  Ruthless crooks buying a population of idiots.

[lordgrinz]

4 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Most Thai people still love Thaksin.

I suspect that it will take another coup or a political court case to remove him.

 

Not so fast 😉

 

"Thaksin’s political influence might questioned by PAO election tally"

https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/thaksins-political-influence-might-questioned-by-pao-election-tally/56395

 

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Most Thai people still love Thaksin.

I suspect that it will take another coup or a political court case to remove him.

Or critical illness.

[smedly]

forgive them for they know not what they do

 

stupid people

[JoePai]

Well it cost them 200 Baht each to buy voters here - drove past and saw a long line being handed out their "bribes"

[chuang]

13 hours ago, Ben Zioner said:

Yeah the 10000, so subtle, scheme has been highly successful..  Ruthless crooks buying a population of idiots.

Population of idiots... What are you half moron half idiot 🤬 

[Ben Zioner]

15 minutes ago, chuang said:

Population of idiots... What are you half moron half idiot 🤬 

Some solid rhetoric we got here...

[AhFarangJa]

26 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Well it cost them 200 Baht each to buy voters here - drove past and saw a long line being handed out their "bribes"

50 Baht in our village, the Wife took the money then voted for the other Guy.

[MikeandDow]

And the EC says this was a "fair " election !!

[JimHuaHin]

Thailand, never learns, slowly declining.

[mfd101]

Meantime, People's Party down the drain.

 

Doesn't bode well for the future. Or perhaps they thought that the provincial elections don't matter ...

[hotsun]

15 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Most Thai people still love Thaksin.

I suspect that it will take another coup or a political court case to remove him.

Most thai people voted for Pita though, and now everyone knows their votes dont count

[MikeandDow]

1 hour ago, mfd101 said:

Meantime, People's Party down the drain.

 

Doesn't bode well for the future. Or perhaps they thought that the provincial elections don't matter ...

Well do the provincial elections don't matter ??  In this election system the answer is NO they dont matter !!

[mfd101]

3 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Well do the provincial elections don't matter ??  In this election system the answer is NO they dont matter !!

Local politicians are important if you live in Isaan.

[MikeandDow]

5 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

Local politicians are important if you live in Isaan.

And why just Isaan ??  His emperor wants to get rid of local politicians  for his one party system anyhow!!

[mfd101]

8 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

And why just Isaan ??  His emperor wants to get rid of local politicians  for his one party system anyhow!!

I was responding to your assertion that local elections don't matter. I happen to live in Isaan where, obviously, local politicians do matter, for a whole range of reasons the most obvious of which is that most of the local population is poor & uneducated.

 

I imagine those circumstances might apply also in the Deep South ...

[connda]

Offering to empty the Thai treasury and give it the "the people" works.
As my own wife said, "People are Kwai, they vote for who give them their own money."

Exactly - she doesn't vote Pheu Thai. Most of the villager do for the reason about - "free money" from the treasury.

[connda]

I see that "Mr. WIll Have Nothing To Do With Thai Politics" is surrounded by his grandchildren.
How touching! 

[topt]

16 hours ago, webfact said:

With 32 Thai Baht to 1 US Dollar today, the financial dynamics continue to play a pivotal role in how political decisions impact local economies, making PAO elections pivotal in directing provincial development and growth, reported Bangkok Post.

Somebody was smoking something - TT rate at SCB at the moment is nearly 34..........

Plus I cannot find this comment in the Bangkok Post reports........