Udon Thani polls a litmus test for Pheu Thai

Political observers predict that the party’s political strength and popularity will be tested in Udon Thani’s upcoming Provincial Administrative Organization ( PAO ) chairman election in 2027 as a result of the upcoming provincial election.

Both parties are working with political powerhouses to support their candidates ‘ promotion efforts in order to secure a win in the election.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the parents of prime minister and Pheu Thai head Paetongtarn Shinawatra, helped Pheu Thai’s member, Sarawut Petchpanomporn, in a campaign rally in Udon Thani on Nov 13–14. He is commonly believed to be Pheu Thai’s de facto leader.

Addressing about 5, 000 individuals during a campaign rally in Udon Thani’s Muang area on Nov 14, Thaksin urged people to vote for Pheu Thai’s member.

Thaksin promised to give up anything short of a disaster triumph, as he promised to.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Thaksin is expected to attend demonstrations in Surin.

Pheu Thai’s dominance in Udon Thani is being reaffirmed by some experts.

In next week’s vote, the party, which often secures a clear sweep of Udon Thani– its democratic stronghold– was defeated in three out of 10 constituencies. The Thai Sang Thai Party won two seats, while the MFP won one.

Former Move Forward Party ( MFP ) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who flew back from the US to support Kanisorn Khurirang’s campaign for the Udon Thani seat, has also backed the PP.

The PP was created after the MFP was disbanded in an effort to overthrow the democratic king.

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, president of the Progressive Movement, which has links with the MFP and the PP, even assisted PP’s battle in Udon Thani.

In order to regain its democratic foothold in the province after losing some local elections, the PP wants to win.

After Wichian Khaokham, the incumbent, resigned only two months before his term-ending, citing health factors, the Udon Thani PAO main ballot was held.

In Surin, the vote of the PAO chairman will take place on November 23, while in Udon Thani, the elections may be held on November 24. The rest of the country, however, does hold their PAO vote on Feb 1 following time, as their incumbent ‘ career does not stop until Dec 19. Applications may be accepted starting on December 23 through December 27.

27 different provinces does not hold their provincial election in February due to their elected officials ‘ resigning before their terms end, leading to the need to find a replacement, or are currently preparing to do so.

Waning recognition

Prathuang Muang-on, a professor at Ubon Ratchathani University’s social research department, claimed Thaksin needed to support Pheu Thai’s campaign there to combat the party’s waning popularity as a result of its mediocre policies.

” Unlike Thaksin’s procedures, such as the general care system, and the Village Fund, which were popular with the public, Paetongtarn administration’s plans have so far failed to impress”, Mr Prathuang said.

He added the president’s 10, 000-baht handout plan, which was launched in September, just benefited vulnerable parties.

The second step of the 10, 000-baht money flyer, according to Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, chairman of the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association, did not significantly boost the economy because many consumers chose to use the money to pay off debts rather than to use it.

In regional elections, Mr. Prathuang said the Bhumjaithai Party will also face fierce opposition from Pheu Thai.

Bhumjaithai is alleged to be quietly supporting Pheu Thai’s competitors, even though it did not field individuals to challenge the PAO votes in some provinces, according to Mr. Prathuang.

In specific, Bhumjaithai wants to defeat Kalptinan individuals in the Ubon Ratchathani PAO key election on December 22. With close ties to Pheu Thai, the Kalptinan community is a main strength player in the state. One of the community members, Kriang Kalptinan, was a former assistant Pheu Thai head.

Red-shirts ‘ investment

The Pheu Thai and the PP in Udon Thani fight is a precursor to their future collision in the 2027 public election, according to Olarn Thinbangtieo, a professor in political science at Burapha University in Chon Buri.

” Udon Thani is the money of the red-shirt action, which is tied with Pheu Thai, but Thaksin had to move ahead and restate his relations with the red-shirts”, Mr Olarn said.

A triumph in the PAO chief election in Udon Thani will give Pheu Thai a chance to regain its hold on power in various significant Northeast Asian provinces, such as Ubon Ratchathani, he added, adding that Thaksin is also attempting to bolster ties with political clans in some provinces to win their support for candidates.

While Bhumjaithai is determined to win regional elections, Mr. Olarn said that they must work together to prevent the PP from taking over the country.

After the 2027 general election, both parties may need to approach a power-sharing agreement, according to Mr. Olarn. Just Thaksin has the experience to do so.

” Also, Thaksin’s visit to Udon Thani reassured the red-shirts they will not be left behind and will be looked after. Thaksin may be asked to support efforts for PAO votes in different regions if Pheu Thai wins the Udon Thani key election, according to Mr. Olarn.

Thaksin is known as the” spiritual head.”

The red-shirt president and member of the Pheu Thai list, Korkaew Pikulthong, praised Thaksin’s decision to support the Pheu Thai member for his strategy in Udon Thani as evidence of his close ties with locals.

” His attend demonstrated the importance of the neighborhood’s people. According to Mr. Korkaew, it also demonstrated Pheu Thai’s ability to guide the county ahead because it has the potential for more growth and development.

Thaksin is regarded as the moral head of Pheu Thai and the Red-Shirts. With his aid in the battle, Pheu Thai’s opportunity of battle is zero. He predicted that his followers would participate in the poll in large quantities.

Keeping hands crossed

Pol Maj Gen Supisarn Bhakdinarinath, a deputy head of the PP, said it was sensible that Thaksin assisted in the Pheu Thai’s PAO strategy because Ms Paetongtarn, his girl, has much experience in elections.

Pheu Thai and the PP are competing for the top spot in the PAO key ballot, according to Pol Maj Gen Supisarn, but the PP is keeping its hopes crossed that the study’s outcome may be favorable.

” Pheu Thai could lose in the upcoming general election if it falls short of the PAO key surveys.” The group can begin working toward establishing a solid social foothold in the Northeast, he said, if the PP wins the PAO main poll.

Parit Wacharasindhu, a PP record MP, said he was not surprised by Thaksin’s walk to help a Pheu Thai member battle in the ballot, given his relationships with the ruling party.

” But, we are unfazed by the walk. We are working hard to provide our laws in a way that works for the people, he said.