PHITSANULOK, Thailand – Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party declared victory in a by-election for a parliamentary seat in Phitsanulok province on Sunday (Sep 16), with their candidate defeating the closest rival by over 6,000 votes.
Jadet Chantra, the Pheu Thai candidate, secured 37,209 votes in the Phitsanulok Constituency 1 by-election, according to unofficial results. His main opponent, Natachanon Chanaburanasak of the opposition People’s Party, received 30,640 votes.
Jadet stated that the Prime Minister had called to congratulate him, and he pledged to begin working immediately to support her efforts once the election process is complete.
After the unofficial results, the Pheu Thai party held a press conference.
“This victory shows that the people of Phitsanulok accept and support Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra,” said Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin.
He personally viewed that It’s not just Phitsanulok but the whole country feels that Prime Minister Paetongtarn is the hope for the nation, he said.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37 took office as Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister after a court ruling led to the removal of her predecessor. The by-election marks a significant shift for Pheu Thai, which had not held this seat in the past 20 years.
Meanwhile, the opposition People’s Party acknowledged the election results and congratulated Jadet on his win. Party spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu said that hat the party still has 143 representatives in the Parliament, and will continue to use the parliamentary mechanism to push for changes that benefit the people. (TNA)
