The Move Forward party surprisingly dethroned Pheu Thai as Thailand’s most popular party in yesterday’s general election, enjoying stunning victories in numerous constituencies formerly dominated by influential political families.
In the eastern province of Chon Buri, which had been the stronghold of the Khunpluem family since patriarch Somchai, aka “Kamnan Poh”, the Move Forward candidates trounced the Pheu Thai party, grabbing seven out of ten seats being contested.
In neighbouring Rayong province, Move Forward candidate Krit Sinlapachai beat Sathit Pitutecha, deputy leader of the Democrat party, to take the seat in Constituency 2.
In Samut Songkhram province, five-time MP Rangsima Rodrasamee, who defected from the Democrats to Thai United Nation party, lost to Anuphap Likhitamnuaichai.
In Bangkok’s Constituency 10, known to be a stronghold of Karoon Hosakul, who ran under the banner of United Thai Nation after his defection from Pheu Thai, the Move Forward candidate Ekkarach Udomumnouy took the seat.
In Constituency 16, Pheu Thai MP Jirayu Huangsap, a star speaker in parliament, was defeated by Move Forward candidate Pimkarn Kiratiwirapakorn, a founder of the Zendai Foundation and a new face in Thai politics.
In Constituency 1, Move Forward candidate Paramet Witthyaraksan grabbed the seat, defeating the former occupant from the Palang Pracharath party.
In Bang Bon’s Constituency 28, Rukchanok Srinork of the Move Forward party beat Wan, a member of the Yubamrung family, which had dominated the constituency for decades since his father, Chalerm, entered parliament.
