Unveiling the 'Elephant Toppling' constituencies in the 2026 election where long-term incumbent MPs lost unexpectedly.
With 79% of parliamentary election votes counted unofficially, many large stronghold constituencies held by veteran MPs have seen surprising upsets. Thairath Online details these developments.
1. Nan, Constituency 2 (Wiang Sa, Na Noi, Santhisuk, Na Muen, Mae Charim, Ban Luang)
Incumbent: Mr. Cholnan Srikaew, Pheu Thai Party, 6-term MP
New winner: Mr. Prasit Notha, Kla Tham Party
The incumbent, Mr. Cholnan Srikaew from Pheu Thai, a key party leader, former party head, and minister in several departments, fell to third place behind Kla Tham and Prachachon parties. The winner is Mr. Prasit Notha of Kla Tham Party, a member of the Nan Provincial Cultural Council.
2. Chiang Rai, Constituency 3 (Mae Lao, Mae Suai, Wiang Pa Pao)
Incumbent: Mr. Wisarn Techathirawat, Pheu Thai Party, 9-term MP
New winner: Mr. Pitak Saengkham, Kla Tham Party
The former stronghold belongs to the Techathirawat family from Pheu Thai, which lost to the former Move Forward Party in 2023. This election saw Pheu Thai field Mr. Wisarn Techathirawat, a 9-term MP and former Deputy Minister of Interior, who shifted from constituencies 2 and 4 to this one but was defeated by Mr. Pitak Saengkham of Kla Tham Party, a former Chiang Rai provincial councilor, highlighting intense local political networks. 3. Chiang Rai, Constituency 4 (Phan, Pa Daet, parts of Mueang Chiang Rai including Doi Lan and Huai Sak) Incumbent: Mrs. Wisaradee Techathirawat, Pheu Thai Party, 3-term MP
New winner: Mr. Surasit Jiamwijak, Kla Tham Party
The previous holder, Mrs. Wisaradee Techathirawat, daughter of Mr. Wisarn, lost to Mr. Surasit Jiamwijak of Kla Tham Party, a former Chiang Rai provincial council member and 4-term MP during 2001-2011.
4. Khon Kaen, Constituency 9 (Waeng Noi, Phon, Waeng Yai)
Incumbent: Mrs. Saratsanan Arnanapaporn, Bhumjaithai Party
New winner: Mr. Natthaphon Klumriengthong, Pheu Thai Party
The incumbent was Mrs. Saratsanan Arnanapaporn from the prominent Arnanapaporn family, a 2-term former Pheu Thai MP who ran this time under Bhumjaithai Party but lost to Mr. Natthaphon Klumriengthong, a former provincial councilor from Pheu Thai.
5. Roi Et, Constituency 2 (Phon Chai, Changhan, Chiang Khwan, parts of Phon Thong and Thawat Buri districts)
Incumbent: Mr. Chalad Khamchuang, Pheu Thai Party
New winner: Mr. Ekarat Phonsue, Kla Tham Party
Mr. Chalad Khamchuang, a 9-term MP from Pheu Thai who has held the seat since 1992 and was Deputy Speaker of the 2nd Parliament in the last term, was defeated by Mr. Ekarat Phonsue of Kla Tham Party, a relative and son of Mr. Ekkaphap Phonsue, a 9-term former MP and former Roi Et Provincial Administrative Organization chief.
6. Nong Bua Lamphu, Constituency 2 (Srinbunruang, Nawang excluding Wang Pla Pom, parts of Non Sang)
Incumbent: Mr. Chaiya Phromma, Kla Tham Party New winner: Mr. Rungphet Srikanchana, Pheu Thai Party The incumbent, Mr. Chaiya Phromma, a 9-term former Pheu Thai MP and former Deputy Minister of Agriculture, shifted to Kla Tham Party this election but lost to Mr. Rungphet Srikanchana of Pheu Thai, a local politician, former mayor, and 2-term provincial councilor who ran in 2023 under Thai Sang Thai Party and placed second.