Udon Thani By-election: Government's Move and Opposition Strategy Under Scrutiny

A by-election in Udon Thani Province's 3rd constituency, following the death of a Member of Parliament, has been officially set for August 30. This marks the first by-election since the current government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, took office four months ago, and is likely to serve as a crucial test of its public approval ratings. The constituency was once a core area for the "Red Shirts" and a strong base for the Pheu Thai Party (descended from the former Thai Rak Thai Party), but in recent years, multiple parties have secured seats here. The Bhumjaithai Party (blue color) has announced it will field its best candidate to retain this seat. However, they have refrained from guaranteeing a win, stating the outcome depends on the will of the Udon Thani residents. The constituency comprises Phen District, Sang Khom District, and parts of Mueang Udon Thani District. Internally, there is a proposal to move a female candidate who previously ran in the 2nd constituency to contest the 3rd constituency. In the general election held on February 8, 2024, out of Udon Thani Province's ten constituencies, the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party each secured four seats, with the Move Forward Party (orange color) winning the remaining two. However, one of the Move Forward Party's MPs has since shown signs of cooperation with the Bhumjaithai Party, making the Bhumjaithai Party de facto dominant in the province. It remains unclear whether the Pheu Thai Party, a coalition partner, will field a candidate in this by-election. The party faces a decision: adhere to the tradition of yielding to a coalition partner like the Bhumjaithai Party, or nominate a candidate to gauge its support. Within the Pheu Thai Party in the province, there are two major power bases: the "Kao Kham family," led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Watcharapon Kao Kham and his wife, MP for the 10th constituency, Tepjutha Kao Kham (wife of former Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organization chairman Wichien Kao Kham); and the "Phetpanomporn family," led by MP for the 2nd constituency, Hatairat Phetpanomporn, and her husband, the current Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organization chairman, Sarawut Phetpanomporn. Another Pheu Thai MP for the province is in the 4th constituency, Traipop Phetkham. The opposition Move Forward Party is likely to nominate a candidate, following its past practice of contesting nearly every by-election, even without winning. Additionally, the Green Party (Gao Tham Party) may also field a candidate to test the government's strength and gauge public sentiment. This Udon Thani by-election is seen as more than just a contest for a single vacant MP seat. It is expected to send a broader political signal, indicating who will emerge victorious in this crucial test: the Pheu Thai Party, aiming for revitalization under Yotchanan Wongswasdi, or the Bhumjaithai Party led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which faces declining approval ratings and criticism regarding the state welfare card scheme, or the opposition forces from the Move Forward or Green parties. Source: INN News