A lively atmosphere marked the first day of candidate registration. The "Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization Chief" election. The Election Commission confirmed it is 100% ready to conduct the election. Meanwhile, "Pongsak" shared his thoughts after drawing candidate number 2, focusing on raising the quality of life for the people.
At 08:00 on 17 August 2026, at the Kaen Nakhon meeting room of the Khon Kaen PAO, the Election Commission designated the venue for candidate registration for the Khon Kaen PAO chief election, scheduled from 17 to 21 August 2026. Khon Kaen Governor Khajornkiat Rakpanichmanee, together with Mr. Watchara Sisan, Director of the Khon Kaen EC, and Mr. Phanthep Saokosol, Deputy Governor and chair of the Khon Kaen PAO EC, observed the registration process on the first day amid strict security measures.
Supporters gradually arrived to cheer, crowding the front area of the registration room. The Khon Kaen PAO set up tents around the venue to assist attendees. At registration time, Mr. Pongjet Phorkruna, Khon Kaen PAO permanent secretary and director of the Khon Kaen PAO EC, checked the list of registered individuals.
It was found that Mr. Pongsak Tangwanichakpong, former Khon Kaen PAO chief, arrived first, followed by Mr. Watthana Changlao, the most recent former PAO chief. The EC asked the candidates to agree on their candidate numbers but, failing to reach an agreement, held a lottery. Mr. Watthana drew number 1, and Mr. Pongsak drew number 2 before proceeding with the official registration process.
Candidate number 2, Mr. Pongsak Tangwanichakpong, said his platform focuses on improving citizens' quality of life, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental care, cultural and traditional promotion, and income generation. He also emphasized addressing PM 2.5 pollution, forest fires, soil and water conservation, promoting sports, drug prevention, and caring for the elderly, women, and local organizations.
"Currently, the Khon Kaen PAO's investment budget disbursement is only about 30%, with the fiscal year ending on 30 September. I worry that remaining funds might be left unused and not reach the people. During my tenure as PAO chief, I managed to disburse over 90% of the investment budget before the fiscal year ended. I believe delays in budget disbursement directly affect the citizens," he said.
Mr. Pongjet Phorkruna, Khon Kaen PAO permanent secretary and director of the Khon Kaen PAO EC, stated that the PAO is fully prepared to hold the Khon Kaen PAO chief election on 27 September 2026, with a total election budget of approximately 70 million baht for the province.
He also reminded candidates to strictly comply with election laws and avoid any actions that may violate or risk violating these laws. The Khon Kaen EC is ready to deploy investigative teams across all areas to closely monitor the election. Nonetheless, there is confidence that the election will attract strong interest from Khon Kaen residents, with voter turnout expected to be no less than 70%.