By Thai Newsroom Reporters
THOUSANDS TODAY (Dec.27) scrambled to apply for MPs in constituency-based mode in the Feb.8 general election at government premises in Bangkok and every province in Thailand and drew lots for their individual electoral numbers.
Most who are running in constituency-based mode showed up before the official application opened at 8.30 a.m. today which was the first day in a period of five consecutive days provided by the Election Commission. Those early applicants drew lots to get their individual, electoral numbers whilst others who may apply at later hours today or on the following days were and will be automatically given their individual numbers in pecking order and those vying in party-listed mode are registering with the polling agency in the capital and drawing lots to get their partisan, electoral numbers tomorrow (Dec.28).
The nationwide election will see eligible voters tick on their ballots the chosen numbers with a total of 400 constituency-based MP seats and a total of 100 party-listed MP seats being up for grabs.
Apart from Bangkok, the nation officially comprises 76 provinces in six regions covering 400 constituencies including 33 in the capital each of which is represented at parliament by one MP. The number of constituency-based MPs for each province is shown in parenthesis:
The northeastern region has 20 provinces and 133 MPs: Nakhon Ratchasima (16), Khon Kaen (11), Ubon Ratchathani (11), Udorn Thani (10), Buriram (10), Sisaket (9), Surin (8), Roi Et (8), Chaiyapum (7), Sakon Nakhon (7), Kalasin (6), Mahasarakham (6), Nakhon Panom (4), Loei (4), Yosothorn (3), Buengkarn (3), Nong Khai (3), Nong Bua Lampu (3), Mukdaharn (2) and Amnart Charoen (2).
The central region has 21 provinces with 90 MPs: Pathum Thani (8), Nonthaburi (8), Samut Prakarn (8), Nakhon Pathom (6), Nakhon Sawan (6), Petchabun (6), Ayutthaya (5), Supanburi (5), Pitsanulok (5), Kampaengpet (4), Sukhothai (4), Lopburi (4), Saraburi (4), Samut Sakhon (4), Pichit (3), Nakhon Nayok (2), Chainart (2), Uthai Thani (2), Ang Thong (2), Singburi (1) and Samut Songkhram (1).
The southern region has 14 provinces and 59 MPs: Nakhon Sri Thammarat (9), Songkhla (9), Surat Thani (7), Narathiwat (5), Pattani (5), Trang (4), Chumporn (3), Pattalung (3), Krabi (3), Phuket (3), Yala (3), Pang Nga (2), Satul (2) and Ranong (1).
The northern region has nine provinces and 37 MPs: Chiang Mai (10), Chiang Rai (7), Lampang (4), Payao (3), Prae (3), Nan (3), Uttaradit (3), Lampun (2) and Mae Hong Son (2).
The eastern region has seven provinces and 29 MPs: Chonburi (10), Rayong (5), Chachoengsao (4), Prachinburi (3), Sakaeo (3), Chanthaburi (3) and Trat (1).
The western region has five provinces and 19 MPs: Kanchanaburi (5), Ratchaburi (5), Petchburi (3), Prachuap Khirikhan (3) and Tak (3).
Meanwhile, prominent contestants running in party-listed mode under the banners of major parties and vying for head of government after the Feb.8 election are:
A duo of Bhumjaithai contestants namely party leader/Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkeow.
A trio of Pheu Thai contenders namely de facto party boss/inmate Thaksin Shinawatra’s nephew Yodchanan Wongsawat, the party’s electoral campaign director Suriya Juangroongruangkit and party leader Julapun Amornvivat.
A trio of People’s contestants namely party leader Nattapong Ruenpanyawut, deputy party leader Sirikanya Tansakun and deputy party leader Veerayooth Kanchoochat.
A duo of Klatham candidates namely de facto party boss/Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Thammanat Prompao and party leader/Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat.
CAPTIONS:
Thai-Japanese Sports Complex Building 2 was packed with candidates registering to run in the Feb. 8 election this morning. Photo above- Thai Rath, first below – Naewna
Second below – Former leader of dissolved Move Forward Party, which has morphed into People’s Party, Mr. Chaithawat Tulathan biking with other candidates contesting all 10 Chiang Mai constituencies to apply to run in the upcoming election. Photo – Amarin TV
Third below – Caretaker Prime Minister/Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul with his party contestants applying to run in Ayutthaya. Photo – Amarin TV
Fourth below – Pheu Thai Party’s prime minister candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat leading his team to apply to contest in all Bangkok 33 constituencies. Photo – Amarin TV
Fifth below – Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva arriving with his team to register to run in the election. Photo – Amarin TV
Sixth below – Palang Pracharath’s candidates running in Bangkok constituencies show up to apply to do so, Photo – Amarin TV
Seventh below – People’s Party leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut led his camp’s 33 Bangkok parliamentary candidates to register for the election. Photo – Amarin TV
Eighth below – Ms. Theerarat Samrejvanich, Pheu Thai Party’s candidate for Bangkok’s Constituency 20, is pleased to have drawn number 11. Photo – Thai Rath
Also read:
Most people dissatisfied with Bhumjaithai-led govt: KPI poll
Trinuch running in lieu of Prawit as top Palang Pracharath contestant for PM
Thailand proposes 72–hour ceasefire with PoWs to be freed if truce holds up
Demolition of Hindu god statue not related to religion or beliefs: Thai army
