
BANGKOK — The recent Thai local elections for Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) chiefs and members on Saturday drew significant public participation across many regions. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s role as a campaign helper for Pheu Thai Party drew particular attention both before and after the elections.
Even Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee acknowledged that Thaksin’s campaign involvement generated unprecedented interest, with local election rallies attracting over 10,000 attendees for the first time.
The contest featured intense competition between three major political parties – Pheu Thai, People’s Party, and Bhumjaithai – along with independent candidates, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of general elections.
Voter Turnout Falls Short
On February 3, Sawaeng reported that the February 1, 2025 PAO chief elections across 47 provinces saw a 58.45% turnout from 27,991,587 eligible voters, down 4% from 2020. The PAO member elections in 76 provinces (excluding Bangkok) recorded a 56.06% turnout, below the Election Commission’s 65% target.

The highest voter turnout was recorded in Lamphun (73.43%), where Pheu Thai and People’s Party competed heavily, followed by Nakhon Nayok (73%), Phatthalung (72.56%), Narathiwat (68.42%), and Mukdahan (68.03%).
Mixed Results for Major Parties
Pheu Thai Party fielded candidates in 16 provinces and won in 10, including a significant victory in Chiang Mai, where Thaksin’s campaign efforts helped secure a 20,000-vote lead over the People’s Party candidate. However, they faced defeats in key areas like Lamphun and Chiang Rai.
Bhumjaithai Party’s network, despite not officially fielding candidates under the party banner, secured PAO chief positions in nine provinces. The People’s Party managed to win only one PAO chief position despite contesting in 17 provinces.

Other coalition parties also won PAO chief positions in their stronghold areas: Chartthaipattana Party secured 2 seats in the central region, Prachachat Party won 2 provinces in the southern border, United Thai Nation Party gained 2 provinces in the South, and Kla Dharma Party won 2 seats in Nong Bua Lamphu and Samut Songkhram.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Political analysts view these local elections as a crucial rehearsal for the 2027 general election. Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party, which aims to secure over 200 parliamentary seats, will need to accelerate their performance over the next two years. The three major parties – Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai, and People’s Party – are expected to learn from their victories and defeats in preparation for the 2027 parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed satisfaction with the overall results, despite disappointments in Chiang Rai and Lamphun. She mentioned that her father, Thaksin, was happy with the campaign efforts and considered his role as a campaign helper worthwhile.
The election results serve as a valuable indicator of shifting political dynamics in Thailand’s local governance and could significantly influence strategies for the upcoming general election in 2027.
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