Thanyaburi: The election of municipal council members and mayors in Thanyaburi Municipality, Pathum Thani, is set to be fiercely contested on Sunday, May 11. Academics and the public are weighing in on the potential impact of recent negative news on the election outcomes.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Wanwichit Boonprong from the Faculty of Political Science at Rangsit University believes that while negative news involving candidate Mr. Smithipat Leenawarat, known as Peach, may have tarnished his image, it is unlikely to affect the voting results. Despite being in the news for a controversial incident involving his uncle and aunt, Peach's strong support base, led by his mother and Thanyaburi's current mayor, Mr. Kritsada, remains intact. Professor Wanwichit suggests that for future political ambitions beyond the local arena, Peach's team may need to adapt to win broader public support.
Meanwhile, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamronwit Toopkrachang, president of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization, is backing another mayoral candidate, Mr. Somchat Khathancharoen. Professor Wanwichit speculates that this support is part of a strategy to test voter bases and possibly dismantle existing political factions. Some local villagers maintain that personal behavior does not necessarily correlate with political competence, emphasizing the importance of improving residents' quality of life.
In Korat, the electoral battle has intensified, marking the year's most significant political contest. Phongyut Suphatthawanit, representing the Prachachon Party, is challenging the established dominance of the Chart Pattana party, led by Dr. Wanarat Chananukul. Phongyut, backed by the younger generation and political allies, is actively engaging with the community to foster change in municipal governance. Dr. Wanarat, a former champion in Korat politics, seeks to uphold her party's influence under the leadership of Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop.
Independent candidate Marut Chumkhuntod, leveraging his social media presence, aims to connect directly with communities, though he faces competition from candidates with overlapping support bases. Adul Yu-Yuen, another contender, lacks a strong support network, which weakens his position as a frontrunner.
In Hat Yai, a crucial economic hub, the mayoral race is equally competitive. Incumbent mayor Pol. Lt. Gen. Sakorn Thongmunee plans to continue his developmental strategies for the city, focusing on fiscal responsibility and problem-solving. His primary opponent, Mr. Narongphon Na Phatthalung, is addressing urgent urban issues like mosquito control and waste management, aiming to secure over 27,000 votes. Colonel Suchart Chanthachotikul, with a background in military and political transparency, also presents a formidable candidacy, emphasizing strength and integrity in governance.
