Khon Kaen: In a significant political shift, Watana Changlao has been elected as the president of the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization, defeating long-standing incumbent Phongsak Tangwanichkaphong by more than 40,000 votes. This election marks a pivotal moment for the region, as Watana garnered 330,922 votes against Phongsak’s 289,908. The election saw a voter turnout of 50.29%, with 722,158 voters participating out of 1,436,069 eligible voters.

According to Thai News Agency, Watana Changlao, who is also the president of Khon Kaen United Football Club and a former Member of Parliament for Khon Kaen, ran as a candidate from the Pheu Thai Party. Watana attributed his victory to the desire of Khon Kaen’s residents for change and pledged to work on improving various aspects of life in the province, including public health, education, agriculture, and the economy, through his “Good Step Policy.”

Phongsak Tangwanichkaphong, who had served as the president for six terms, gracefully accepted his def
eat. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and acknowledged the voters of Khon Kaen for their participation. Phongsak urged the newly elected president to uphold the promises made to the people during the campaign.

Meanwhile, in Sukhothai, Manu Phukprasert secured another term as the president of the Sukhothai Provincial Administrative Organization with a landslide victory. He received 142,523 votes, surpassing his competitors Dong Saenglap and Wasinpat Kittinanphanit, who received 40,267 and 32,232 votes, respectively. Manu Phukprasert, known for his connections to the influential Thepsuthin family, continues his leadership in Sukhothai with a strong mandate from the electorate.