The gunfire that killed the candidate for the Tha Chamwong Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) chief in Songkhla Province seemed like a locked door, clearing the way for the sole remaining candidate to take the local executive seat. However, in a democratic society where the people hold the highest power, this matter ended at the stroke of the "Vote No" pen, reflecting the will and power of the ultimate authority—the people.
The SAO election on 11 Jan 2024, although overshadowed by the buzz surrounding the major upcoming general election in a month, sparked significant public discussion due to an incident in Tha Chamwong Subdistrict, Rattaphum District, Songkhla. Mr. Phayom Sangthong, a candidate for SAO chief, was shot dead before the election, leaving only candidate number 1 running unopposed.
Surprisingly, the sole remaining candidate did not win; he was defeated by “Vote No,” or the option to vote for none of the candidates, as clearly stipulated in the election rules. This was a slap in the face to the historically powerful local political influencers. The villagers did not respond with violence but expressed their will through democratic rights and freedoms—that is, through the election.
According to the election law (Local Council Member Election Act), when the "Vote No" option receives more votes than the candidate, the election is nullified and must be re-held. Importantly, the "same candidate is disqualified from running in the next election," effectively receiving a red card from the people and requiring a political hiatus for one term.
This is an expensive lesson reflecting that today, while "bullets" may be able to eliminate a rival, they can no longer conquer the hearts of the people.
This unexpected upset in the SAO election is not a coincidence nor merely a local incident. It is a "high-level warning signal" to major political parties and parliamentary candidates preparing to contest the big general election on 8 Feb 2024.
What happened reflects the "awakening" of the people on three key points.
1. The villagers are neither foolish nor afraid: The use of dark influence, intimidation, or eliminating opponents can no longer force people to cast votes as desired, especially now that citizens have access to the internet and information independently. The dirtier the tactics, the more citizens unite in "civil resistance" through their ballots.
2. "Vote No" is a powerful destructive weapon: People have learned that abstaining from voting is not mere indifference but a "rejection of defective goods." If political parties send unqualified, dubious, or detested candidates, voters have the right to discard the entire slate to await better options.
3. The era of "old wine in new bottles" is over: Traditional clan or family-based politics, if lacking achievements or involved in violence, will lose their once-assured loyal base, which now may turn into the most powerful silent force.
The big general election on 8 Feb 2024 will be a crucial test of whether Thai politics can break free from its old vicious cycles.
Political parties still practicing old-style politics—buying votes, intimidation, or collusion for victory—will face an iron wall named "Vote No."
This phenomenon tells us that people do not just want "anyone" to lead but demand "real doers." If all available choices are "terrible," voters are ready to discard the entire deck and start anew.
Gunfire may kill a person, but the "crossed X" mark by the people on election day is a political death sentence far more painful.