Udon Thani‘s Provincial Administrative Organization Head Race: Kontaphan Kaldinpant Narrowly Wins; Chaisiri Soruddit Lead in Uttaradit
In a close race for the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) Chairperson in Udon Thani, Kontaphan Kaldinpant, candidate number 1, has taken an early lead, with unofficial results at 19:30 showing 114,208 votes. Jitrovarran Wantmsukhijigokson, candidate number 3, trails with 98,993 votes, while School vaste 4 records the least with just 1,001 votes. The race was tight, with Sihtithip Leavapachint, candidate number 2, securing 38,598 votes.
Kontaphan, representing the People’s Party (PP), expressed gratitude to voters while acknowledging that the party has not yet fully secured the trust of Udon Thani residents. He noted a significant increase in support compared to the 2019 preferential vote. School, also running on the PP ticket, thanked voters and reaffirmed his commitment to serving Udon Thani’s people. Jitrovarran, candidates number 4, and Sihtihithip, candidate number 2, remained positive, thanking their supporters for turning out to vote.
In Uttaradit, Chaisiri Soruddit, candidate number 1 and a former PAO chairman, leads the race, with unofficial results at 19:00 showing 68,575 votes. Wirith Suppajai, candidate number 3, follows closely with 45,513 votes, while Prom Faithi, candidate number 2, trails with 8,930 votes. Chaisiri has maintained a strong lead in almost all districts, leveraging his experience as a former PAO chairman.
The PAO elections are a crucial aspect of Thailand’s decentralization process, enabling local residents to elect leaders who understand their needs and can effectively manage local resources and development projects. With these initial results, it’s clear that voters in both provinces have shown strong preferences, shaping the political landscape in the northeastern and lower northern regions.
