Pattaya, Thailand-
Poramase “Beer” Ngampiches looks set to be the next Pattaya mayor after unofficial, preliminary results with 98% of precincts reporting show him with a solid lead over his three opponents.
According to the latest, as of press time, unofficial results, Poramase had 14,349 votes in the first place, with the second place person, Sinchai Wattanasartsathorn with 12,477 votes. Third place was “Bob” Kittisak with 8,759 votes and fourth place was Sakchai Taenghor with 990 votes. These unofficial counts were likely to slightly fluctuate but officials feel the overall order and results are clear.
The preliminary results show that Pattaya had about a 49.96 percent voter turnout, far less than the goal of 70%.
The Pattaya News notes that to be official, the election commission must certify and release the results, expected at a later time.
“Beer” is part of the “Rao Rak Pattaya” or “We Love Pattaya” political party, which is led by Sonthaya Khunplume, the prior mayor who recently left office and had been previously appointed by now Prime Minister Prayut Chan O’Cha. As a result, the policies and long-term goals set by Mr. Khunplume are likely to continue with Poramase, who is the former Vice Minister of Culture.
Although the results are not yet official, “Beer”, Sonthaya Khunplume, and other members of the We Love Pattaya held a viewing party for election results, as seen in the cover photo (“Beer” is wearing the red captain shirt), and were very pleased with the results, while stating they will wait for the election commission to verify and certify the results before laying out future plans.
TPN media will keep up coverage of this story throughout the week.
