Chalermpong ‘Coach Sam’ Saengdee (People’s Party), re-elected in Phuket Constituency 2, thanked voters for their support, saying the result showed that “ordinary people” can serve in parliament if backed by public confidence.
“This victory is not just mine, it is the beginning of change that the people will build together,” Mr Chalermpong said, pledging to stand with voters and address long-standing problems.
He said he would continue to push the ‘Sam Takes Action’ policy platform, insisting Phuket’s development must not be delayed by what he described as politicians who “talk big but never take action”.
Mr Chalermpong listed key priorities including promoting Phuket self-governance, reviving the Patong Tunnel project, improving public transport, regulating rental car businesses, supporting modern entertainment venue laws, upgrading tourism from volume to quality, improving quality of life for residents, and maintaining opposition to cannabis legalisation.
“I don’t wait. I act, push forward and keep fighting so real change happens,” he said.
Somchart Techathaworncharoen (People’s Party), re-elected in Phuket Constituency 1, said the election showed growing political engagement among the public, reflected in strong voter turnout and competition among parties.
Although the People’s Party secured only two Phuket constituencies, Mr Somchart said the wins were significant for Southern Thailand and showed the party could maintain its political base in the upper southern region.
Once formally certified by the Election Commission (EC), Mr Somchart said his first priority would be to re-submit the draft Phuket Metropolis Act to the House of Representatives, in line with the People’s Party policy of promoting self-governing provinces and the election of provincial governors.
He also plans to push legislation to improve transparency of business income data in Phuket and seek fairer allocation of tax revenue back to the province, including reintroducing amendments to the Provincial Administrative Organisation Act.
This time, he said, he would invite the two other Phuket MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to co-sponsor the proposals.
“Even if we are from different parties, when it comes to Phuket’s agenda, we must work together to ensure that revenue generated by Phuket is used efficiently in the province,” Mr Somchart said.
He thanked voters in Talad Nuea, Talad Yai, Ratsada and Koh Kaew, and pledged to serve all residents equally, including those who did not vote for him.
In Phuket Constituency 3, Kla Tham Party candidate Orathai Kerdsap defeated the incumbent, People’s Party candidate Thitikan Thitiphrutikul.
Ms Orathai said she was “extremely happy” that years of grassroots work had finally paid off after her unsuccessful 2023 bid.
She pointed out that her initial focus would be on prioritising economic and business-related problems in her constituency, starting with a review of existing development plans and identifying issues that could be addressed quickly.
Ms Orathai said her policy work would align with Kla Tham Party priorities, particularly water management to address both flooding and drought, beginning with studies in Thalang District before expanding province-wide.
Ms Orathai also said she would examine land title issues under the Agricultural Land Reform Act, including the possibility of upgrading certain land documents from ‘green Garuda’ status (NorSor 3 Kor certificates of use) to ‘red Garuda’ status (NorSor 4 Jor or Chanote) for farmers, subject to legal and policy considerations.
Thanking voters for trusting her work as a grassroots social development worker, Ms Orathai said she would continue to work closely with communities.
“I want to work hand in hand with the people of Phuket to develop Phuket for the better every day,” she said.
She added that even outside political office she has continued community work, including supporting hospitals, promoting small businesses, developing digital and income-generating skills, and organising markets and events to help local vendors.