Provincial Administrative Organisation member Golf Resigns

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

Siradonai Plaiduang, known as “Golf,” a provincial councillor (S.A.O.) for Songkhla’s District 7 (Hat Yai), has officially submitted his resignation amid ongoing controversy. He is a close associate and son of Somyos Plaiduang, deputy secretary-general of the Democrat Party and MP for Songkhla’s 3rd constituency.

Siradonai was previously implicated in an incident on 11 May where he allegedly ordered subordinates to assault Police Corporal Nisatit Khetphueng, a paramilitary officer assigned to election security in Mueang Songkhla district. The accused, including Siradonai, face charges related to violently obstructing officials performing their duties with weapons and physical assault, as well as links to the illegal online gambling network WINGAME98. The case has been transferred to the Crime Suppression Division, with formal charges filed.

According to reports, Siradonai submitted his resignation letter on 24 July, which has been acknowledged by Songkhla Governor Chotinrin Kerdsom and Songkhla’s local government chief Winyu Singhasame. However, local social media has criticised the delay in his resignation, over two months after the incident, during which the Songkhla Provincial Council was under heavy pressure to remove him. A special council session on 13 June voted to seek legal advice from the governor on whether the council could dismiss him without his presence to respond to allegations, but no further action was taken before the resignation.

Meanwhile, a close ally of Somyos Plaiduang, Siradonai’s father and Songkhla MP, is preparing to immediately submit candidacy for the vacant provincial council seat. This individual recently resigned from their political post, having formerly worked within the Songkhla provincial administration team, to stand in the forthcoming by-election.

Lt. Col. Samanuk Kulmanee, director of Songkhla’s Election Commission Office (ECO), confirmed receipt of the resignation. Under law, a by-election must be held within 60 days to fill the vacancy. The Election Commission is expected to announce the official by-election date for Songkhla’s District 7, Hat Yai, on 29 July. The commission reports it is fully prepared to conduct the election.

Related article:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-27