PATTAYA - Three men registered their candidacy for mayor of Pattaya on Thursday, with the election scheduled for June 28 in the tourist city in Chon Buri.
Incumbent Poramet Ngampichet will be seeking a second four-year term. He will be challenged by independent candidate Sakchai Taengho, running under the Pattaya 2030 banner, and Ittiwat Watanasathorn of the People’s Party.
A former Chon Buri MP, Mr Poramet is closely linked to the Khunpleum family that has dominated Chon Buri and Pattaya politics for decades. He was chosen by Sonthaya Kunplome to seek election in 2022 under the Rao Rak Pattaya (We Love Pattaya) banner, after Mr Sonthaya decided not to seek another term.
Mr Itthiwat was born and raised in the Naklua area of Pattaya. The son of a local police officer and his market vendor wife, he is stressing his understanding of the daily lives of the working people who power the tourism economy in the resort city.
Mr Sakchai, meanwhile, has announced a “24-Hour Mayor” strategy designed to overhaul the city’s administrative system, focusing on solving everyday problems with immediate results and eliminating bureaucratic delays.
Sawaeng Boonmee, secretary-general of the Election Commission, observed the candidacy registration, saying all went smoothly.
He invited eligible voters to exercise their right on June 28, saying Pattaya was an important arena of local politics. There will be 113 poll units where voters can cast ballots from 8am to 5pm.
- Related : Bangkok governor candidates register
