In Cherng Talay, unofficial vote counts indicated that Mr Manoch, standing as Candidate No.1 under the ‘Team Pun’ banner, secured 3,969 votes, comfortably ahead of rival candidate Samarn Sakae, who received 2,261 votes.
Mr Manoch has served as chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) for the past four years.
He has a clear mandate to continue running the beach areas of Cherng Talay, including Bang Tao, as he sees fit, as Team Pun also performed strongly in the council race, winning five of the six available Cherng Talay OrBorTor council seats.
In a statement posted after the count, Team Pun thanked residents for their support, saying every vote was “meaningful and a vital source of encouragement” as the team moves forward. The group said the result reflected public confidence in Mr Manoch’s leadership and direction during his previous term.
CHEQUERED PAST
Mr Manoch first took office as Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation on Dec 24, 2021, and has overseen a period of rapid transformation that has seen Cherng Talay emerge as one of Phuket’s busiest tourism and real-estate hubs.
During his previous term, his administration was responsible for major land recovery efforts, infrastructure upgrades, public safety improvements and environmental protection initiatives, alongside managing a surge in large-scale construction across Bang Tao and surrounding areas.
One of the most high-profile issues during his tenure was the long-running dispute over 178 rai of prime beachfront land at Layan–Leypang, valued at an estimated B50 billion. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in 2017 confirming the land as state property, businesses operating on the site continued to resist eviction, prompting the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to intervene directly in 2022. The investigation ultimately led to the site being reclaimed by the state.
Environmental protection and infrastructure strain have remained key challenges, with dozens of villa, condominium, hotel and mixed-use projects reshaping Bang Tao, Pasak, Boat Avenue, Lagoon Road and Layan. The rapid development has placed heavy pressure on roads, utilities and public services, prompting repeated complaints from residents.
Mr Manoch has previously acknowledged limitations on local authority powers in addressing issues such as traffic congestion, taxi regulation and roadside construction, and has repeatedly called for stronger support from higher-level agencies.
When registering to contest re-election, Mr Manoch said his administration had focused on strengthening core infrastructure, improving water systems, expanding emergency services and supporting elderly, disabled and vulnerable groups. He also cited education, cultural activities, waste management, low-carbon initiatives, community tourism and small-business development as part of his policy platform.
Mr Manoch said his decision to seek another term reflected his intention to complete unfinished projects and continue improving quality of life for Cherng Talay and Bang Tao residents, while emphasising transparent administration, digital public services and closer engagement with village leaders and community committees.
OTHER VICTORIES
Elsewhere in Phuket, unofficial results and public statements from candidates pointed to victories or continued mandates in several other subdistricts.
In Kamala, Charoon Kobkoi and the Kamala Aphiwat Group thanked voters for what they described as sincere trust placed in the team. In a message to supporters, the group said every vote represented both strength and responsibility, pledging to move ahead with practical work for the benefit of the Kamala community.
In Koh Kaew, Keuakeiyrti Chitkeua acknowledged continued public support following the election, with the Juan Jwan team also issuing a statement thanking residents and promising to repay their trust through hard work and sustainable development. The team described local residents as a vital driving force behind its success.
Mai Khao voters also returned Sarawut Srikukram, who thanked residents of the subdistrict for allowing his team to continue developing Mai Khao “towards lasting prosperity”. In a public message, he credited the Mai Khao Yunyong Rak team for helping achieve the election result and invited residents to work together to improve quality of life, unity and long-term development.
In Thepkrasattri, Siththichai Chanthawat and his team expressed gratitude to voters for their confidence, with Mr Siththichai stating he was committed to leading the subdistrict to “even greater heights” and transforming Thepkrasattri through collective effort.
Meanwhile, elections were also held in Sakhu Subdistrict, but only for OrBorTor council seats. The mayoral position was not contested, as Trin Panyawai had already been re-elected mayor of Sakhu in a special election held in October last year.
The Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has confirmed that, in accordance with election law, all ballots and official documentation will now be forwarded to the Election Commission of Thailand in Bangkok for verification and confirmation.
Under the law, the ECT must formally announce the certified election results within 30 days of the polling date.