Upcoming By-Elections Could Bring Down Prayut’s Government

Four upcoming by-elections could lead to the fall of Prime Minter Gen. Prayut’s flimsy coalition government. Certainly is the opposition camps can claim a clean sweep, in four by-election constituencies.

Future Forward Party secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul said the opposition is determined to win the four by-elections. Claiming more House seats would probably lead to the ousting of Prime Minter Prayut’s and the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).

For that reason the FFP is fielding a candidate in Nakhon Pathom’s Constituency 5 in the Oct 23 contest, Mr Piyabutr said. The party’s board has yet to decide on the three other by-elections. In Samut Prakan, Kamphaeng Phet and Khon Kaen.

He said the party’s board will make sure that its decision will improve the chances of the opposition bloc winning the by-elections.

Mr Piyabutr said the FFP is also likely to field a candidate in the by-election in Samut Prakan. Which was won by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) in March of this year. His party will opt out in Kamphaeng Phet and Khon Kaen to avoid competing with Pheu Thai.

Six Candidates Register to Contest By-Elections

Meanwhile, six candidates on Monday also registered to contest the by-election in Nakhon Pathom. With two government coalition partners fielding their own candidates.

The Democrat Party is fielding its losing candidate Surachai Anutto who received 18,970 votes earlier in March. Mr. Padermchai Sasomsap will once again represent the Chartthaipattana Party.

The four other candidates are Mr Pairatchote of the FFP; Sirikwan Yaemmoon of Palang Sangkhom; Lawan Singsathit of Seriruamthai; and Primpang Saengsawang of the Thai Civilised Party.

Applications for the by-elections will close on Oct 4.

Deputy Democrat leader Satit Pitutacha, who is in charge of the Central region, said on Monday the coalition partners had initially agreed to field one candidate from the bloc to avoid vote splitting.

Satit said he also heard the Chartthaipattana Party may not opt out of fielding a candidate. Because Mr Padermchai of the Chartthaipattana Party insisted on contesting the by-election.