PATONG: Patong has grown up, from a tambon to a muang, or town, with a bigger budget and changes to the electoral system. Somkiet Kwansuwan, Palad of Patong Municipal Office explained, “It has been proposed for two years that Patong be upgraded from tambon to muang, and this finally come into effect on Saturday (October 5).” Because of the change, voters in Patong will directly elect the mayor and all members of the council for the first time when they go to the polls on November 16 and 17. Previously they elected a council and the council then chose the mayor. K. Somkiet said, “In the past, Tambon Patong came under Kathu District, but now the Governor is responsible. So administration should be speedier. We will certainly work harder to make Patong better.” The change also means an increase in budget to 97 million baht for the next financial year – an increase that would not have come if Patong had remained a tambon.
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