Bhumjaithai loses southern seat in shock Klatham upset
A dramatic political upset has rocked southern Thailand, as the rising Kla Tham Party snatched a crucial seat from the ruling Bhumjaithai Party in Sunday’s by-election.
Kongkiat Ketsobat of Kla Tham unofficially clinched victory in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Constituency 8 with 38,680 votes, knocking out Bhumjaithai’s hopes of holding onto the seat.
The poll was triggered by the disqualification of former MP Mukdawan Luengsinil, who was slapped with a 10-year political ban after being convicted of vote buying by the Criminal Court.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, a senior Bhumjaithai figure, blamed the loss on Kongkiat’s deep-rooted local support in Chawang district, which is part of the constituency and his hometown.
But Phiphat put a positive spin on the result, pointing to improved performance.
“We received more than 28,000 votes, up from over 23,000 in the General Election.”
Party boss Anutin Charnvirakul quickly dismissed concerns about a political turf war in the south, calling the election “clean and fair.”
“This is not a do-or-die issue because the people will decide,” he said, who also serves as deputy prime minister and interior minister. He revealed that he had already messaged Kla Tham’s leader to offer congratulations.
Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, who heads Kla Tham, vowed to grow her party’s national presence.
“We’re not just focused on the south. We plan to expand our membership and increase our representation across the country.”
Narumon also dismissed speculation that the win would help Kla Tham push for more Cabinet positions.
“That’s not our goal as a coalition partner.”
Meanwhile, controversy could still loom over the election. Former Democrat Party MP Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, who also contested the seat, is gathering evidence to present to the Election Commission.
He claims there were irregularities at the polls and has not ruled out calling for an investigation, reported Bangkok Post.
The outcome of this by-election may not change the balance of power in Parliament, but it sends a strong signal that the political landscape in Thailand’s South may be shifting. One thing’s clear—Kla Tham is no longer a fringe player.
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