This Saturday, February 1st, 2025, Thailand will hold crucial elections for the chairs and members of Provincial Administrative Organizations (PAOs) across 47 provinces. This event marks a big moment for local governance, allowing residents to choose leaders who will directly impact the development and administration of their regions.
Additionally, per Thai election law, there will also be alcohol sales bans in affected provinces, which includes Phuket and Pattaya/Chonburi (But not Bangkok) from 6:00 PM on Friday, January the 31st, to 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 1st. This will shut down popular entertainment venues, clubs, bars, etc during that time window. Restaurants can stay open but not sell alcohol.
For those unfamiliar with the role of PAOs, these organizations are pivotal in local governance. A Provincial Administrative Organization is responsible for overseeing public services within its province, which includes but is not limited to, managing local infrastructure like roads, water supply, and waste management. They also play a key role in public health, education, and cultural preservation, ensuring that services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each province. Additionally, PAOs have the authority to plan and implement local development projects, from economic initiatives to environmental conservation efforts.
The PAO elections are scheduled to ensure compliance with the current legal framework, which mandates that elections occur within 45 days of the end of the previous term. The term of the current PAO officials ended on December 19, 2024, necessitating this timely election to fill the vacant positions. Over 90,000 polling stations will be operational, managed by local authorities with support from the Election Commission (EC).
For more information on the voting process, candidate profiles, or your local polling station, please check the Election Commission’s official communications or local PR pages from each province.
