CHIANG RAI – Candidates are gearing up for the by-election in Chiang Rai after Pheu Thai Party MP Pichet Chueamuangphan received a 10-year political ban. Many familiar political figures are now out of the race, leaving mostly newcomers.
There is talk that Ban Yai Mae Chan is backing former Chiang Khong provincial council member Worawut Chaiwong to run for Pheu Thai, while the Move Forward bloc is considering Wasupol Chaturotchendecha, vice president of the Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Council, to stand against a previous candidate.
Meanwhile, Mirantee Boonkaew, who previously ran for Bhumjaithai, may join Palang Pracharath and is expected to support General Prawit Wongsuwan.
After Pichet, the former Deputy House Speaker and MP, had his status revoked by court order and was barred from politics for a decade, the Election Commission assigned the Chiang Rai EC office to arrange a new poll. Candidate registration will be open from 13 to 17 August, with the by-election set for 14 September 2025.
Pichet Chueamuangphan received a 10-year political ban
The 2023 election in Chiang Rai’s Constituency 7 included districts such as Chiang Saen, Doi Luang, Wiang Kaen, Chiang Khong (except Boon Rueang subdistrict), along with Chan Chawa and Chan Chawa Tai in Mae Chan.
Pichet ran under the Pheu Thai banner and led with 31,588 votes. Prayad Siangdang from the People’s Party (formerly Move Forward) followed with 25,889 votes, and Mirantee Boonkaew of Bhumjaithai received 18,153 votes.
This time, speculation suggests Worawut Chaiwong, known as “SJT Ton” and a former member of the Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organisation for Chiang Khong, will run for Pheu Thai in place of Pichet, with strong support from Ban Yai Mae Chan, pending the party’s final decision.
For the opposition, Prayad Siangdang is expected to run for the People’s Party, given his background of working with the party since its Future Forward days.
However, there is talk that Wasupol Chaturotchendecha, vice president of the Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Council for District 1, may be fielded instead, as party members debate the best choice.
Mirantee Boonkaew, another strong candidate, has now moved to Palang Pracharath and reportedly confirmed her intent to run after meeting with party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan. The full list of candidates will be clear after registration closes on 17 August.
This by-election promises intense competition, as past MPs have all exited the field, leaving new faces and former unsuccessful candidates to compete, each bringing their own reputation and support.
Trending Chiang Rai News:
Chiang Rai’s Hill Tribes Brew a Booming Specialty Coffee Industry
