Pheu Thai blames poll loss on flood policies
The Pheu Thai Party believed it lost Sunday's by-election in Pathum Thani to the Opposition Democrat Party because of last year's catastrophic flood.
Democrat Party MP candidate Kiatisak Songsaeng defeated Pheu Thai Party MP candidate Somchai Rangsiwattanasak in constituency 5, Pathum Thani Lam Luka district.
Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit dismissed as groundless a remark made by Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Pollbutr that the ruling party defeat was caused by its sagging popularity.
Prompong said major causes of the Pheu Thai defeat was that only 30 per cent of eligible voters exercised their voting rights, and turning of public sentiment against the government for its handling of the flooding.
Korn Chatikavanij, a Democrat leader, wrote in his Facebook page, thanking voters for their support of the party and saying the results of the by-election provided a valuable lesson to the Pheu Thai Party.
“The former MP quit his post to apply as President of the Provincial Administrative Organisation even though he was elected only eight months [ago]…He made the whole thing as if it was for fun and has taken public support for granted. This should serve as a signal for the Pheu Thai Party not to be obsessed with solving problems for Thaksin and ignore addressing the plight of the people..’’ he posted.
“On the contrary, Dr Kiatisak has been very diligent in helping people affected by floods even though he lost in the general election. If the Democrats want to beat the Pheu Thai, they have to sacrifice as Kiatisak did.
“This victory of ours in the “red” stronghold is one which is remarkable,’’ he said.
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva thanked voters for the election victory saying the party has not had any MP in Pathum Thani for a long time.
He cited the public being fed up with politics as the reason for the low voter turnout.
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