Tambon elections go smoothly

PHUKET: Elections for 12 of Phuket’s 13 Tambon Administration Organizations OrBorTor ran smoothly on Saturday with a voter turnout of 62.67% and no evidence of vote-buying or cheating, according to Prapa Kayee, President of the Phuket Election Committee. Karon had the best turnout at 84.82% of voters, she told the Gazette, while Rassada had the lowest, with 47.42%. She said that bad weather over the weekend was thought to be partly to blame for the lower-than-hoped-for turnout. As part of OrBorTor polling nationwide, voters in Phuket had a choice of 378 candidates from which to pick 159 OrBorTor members. Results will be known within four days of the Central Election Committee in Bangkok receiving results from each province. On Phuket, 59,374 of the 94,704 registered voters turned out. Each had the chance to select two representatives. OrBorTor presidents will be chosen later by the successful candidates. Voting took place in Maikhao, Rawai, Sakoo, Thepkrasattri, Rassada, Sri Soontorn, Wichit, Kamala, Cherng Talay, Karon, Chalong and Koh Kaew. Residents of Pa Khlok will get their chance in June next year.