Ban-tastic wins: Political dynasties dominate PAO elections

Candidates from influential Ban Yai political families emerged victorious in the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chair elections across three provinces.

The PAO elections, held yesterday in Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Phayao, saw unofficial winners linked to the Bhumjaithai Party, the United Thai Nation Party, and the Pheu Thai Party.

In Ayutthaya, Somsong Phancharoenworakul, a five-time chairwoman of the Ayutthaya PAO, significantly outpaced her opponent, Watcharapong Radomsittipat. Watcharapong, previously the chairman of tambon Ban Mai Administrative Organisation (TAO), received 114,063 votes, running under the Kao Mai Ayutthaya group, which uses the colour orange associated with the Move Forward Party.

Meanwhile, Somsong secured a commanding 245,457 votes. Somsong is the mother of Bhumjaithai MP and Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. Her niece, Pimprueda Tanjararak, is also an MP for the party in the province.

Jitthana Yingthaweelapha claimed victory in Chai Nat, defeating Sutthipoj Chue-apaiwong, a former MP candidate for the Move Forward Party (MFP). The unofficial results indicated that Jitthana received 62,860 votes while Sutthipoj garnered 44,690. Jitthana, sister of United Thai Nation MP Anucha Nakasai, ran after her brother Anusorn Nakasai resigned as PAO chairman to prompt an early election.

In Phayao, Thawat Sutthawong, running under the Pheu Thai Party, won with 174,669 votes. Chaiprapan Singchai, supported by the MFP, received 35,172 votes. Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra congratulated Thawat on his victory via Instagram. Thawat is a close aide of Akara Prompow, brother of Capt Thamanat Prompow, secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Phayao is known as Capt Thamanat’s political stronghold.

Earlier this month, Pheu Thai announced Akara as its candidate for the PAO chairman election, but Akara later withdrew, leading to Thawat’s candidacy.

Political observers predict more PAO elections nationwide early next year following the resignation of PAO chairs in several provinces, presumably to force early elections, catching the MFP off guard. Candidates affiliated with the MFP participated in these PAO elections as independents.

The upcoming PAO election in Ratchaburi on September 1 is expected to draw significant attention. PAO chair Wiwat Nitikanchan resigned to trigger the election. Wiwat is the husband of Boonying Nitikanchana, a PPRP MP for Ratchaburi. The MFP-backed candidate in this race is businessman Chairat Sakissarapong, reported Bangkok Post.