By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A TRIO OF COALITION partners are vying for a vacant MP seat of Nakhon Si Thammarat in a by-election scheduled for later this month.
Regardless of political etiquette otherwise practically observed among coalition partners, the Bhumjaithai, the second largest coalition partner under de facto party boss Newin Chidchob, the Klatham, the fourth largest coalition partner led by Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat and the Democrats, the fifth largest led by Natural Resources & Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, are contesting for MP in the by-election scheduled for April 27 in Constituency 8 of the southern province.
The MP seat was left vacant after former Bhumjaithai MP Mukdawan Leungsinil had been found involved in electoral irregularities in the 2023 general election and thus deposed of her MP status by the Election Commission.
Over the last couple of decades, the Democrats had scored electoral victories for most constituencies of the southern region. In the previous races to parliament, the Democrats won six out of a total 10 MP seats of Nakhon Sri Thammarat.
Contesting the April 27 by-election are Sawai Leungsinil, spouse of the deposed lawmaker, under the Bhumjaithai tickets, Kongkiat Ketsombat under the Klatham banners and former nine-time MP Chinaworn Boonyakiat of the Democrats.
Chinaworn, a former education minister, was largely defeated in the previous general election in Constituency 7 of the southern province.
Another candidate apart from those running under the tickets of the coalition partners is Natakitt Yuduang vying under the banners of the People’s, the largest opposition party.
CAPTION:
Chinaworn Boonyakiat of the Democrats surrounded by supporters after picking number two in the by-election race, above, and Sawai Leungsinil of Bhumjaithai and his supporters in a joyful mood after picking number one. Photos: Naewna
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