City municipal campaigning begins

PHUKET CITY: Garlands of marigolds marked the start of the election campaign for mayor and councillors of Phuket City today as the first two candidates registered and outlined their policies. More candidates are expected to join the race before the April 4 poll. The streets of the newly-declared city are expected to resound with public-announcement trucks and be filled with supporters handing out fliers for weeks to come. Crowds of supporters cheered on Prawat Suwannadithakul, from the Chao Baan Sarng San Party, and Somjai Suwannasuppana, from the Khon Noom Party, when they arrived at Phuket City Hall today. Phuket Government CEO Udomsak Usawarangkura, who came to observe the process on the first day said, “I’m not worried about there being any violence during the election. The candidates and their supporters are educated. They won’t do anything wild.” Because Phuket Town has been upgraded to city status, the following regions will each vote in six representatives as well as voting for a new mayor: Region 1:Yaowarat Rd, Hongsyok Uthit Rd, Thepkrasattri Rd, Komarapat Rd, Nakorn Rd, Chumporn Rd, Tungka Rd, Dibuk Rd, Thalang Rd, Suthat Rd, Soi Samkong, Soi Paniang, Soi Ratchapruek, Soi Mongkol, Soi Wachira, Soi Hangnokyoong, Soi Rommanee, and Soi Sui Uthit Rd. Region 2: Damrong Rd, To’ Sae Rd, Cherng Kiri Rd, Pa Lian Rd, Kamnan Rd, Trang Rd, Naresuan Rd, Amphur Rd, Pooyaibaan Rd, Luang Por Rd, Surin Rd, Sri Suthat Rd, Soi Sri Sena, Anuphas Phuketkarn Rd, and Soi Thesa. Region 3: Phuket Rd, Phang Nga Rd, Montri Rd, Weerapong Hongsyok Rd, Ong Sim Pai Rd, Dilok Uthit Rd, Chana Jaroen Rd, Thavornvongwong Rd, Nimit Rd, Kra Rd, Takuathung Rd, Rassada Rd, Takuapa Rd, Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd, Bangkok Rd, Poonpol Rd, Soi Saphan Hin, Soi Taling Chan, Soi Ton Poh, Soi Pradit, and Soi Surin. Region 4: Wichit Songkram Rd, Patipat Rd, Mae Luan Rd, Krabi Rd, Satun Rd, Ranong Rd, Pattana Rd, Chaofa Rd, Sakdidet Rd, Wirat Hongsyok Rd, Soi Puthorn, and Soi Khajorn.