15 Democrat Pongsin Senpong, front, concedes defeat in the by-election in Nakhon Si Thammarat s constituency 3, a long-time Democrat stronghold, on Sunday. He came second to the Palang Pracharat candidate. (Photo: Nujaree Raekrun)
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: The Democrat Party has lost a major stronghold, conceding defeat in the by-election in constituency 3 on Sunday.
About 9.45pm, after vote counting was completed, Nuchnapang Limdulpaiboon, director of the provincial election committee, announced the unofficial result.
He said Ayasit Srisuphan of the Palang Pracharath Party came first with 48,701 votes.
Second was Pongsin Senpong of the Democrat Party with 44,632 votes, followed by Sarawut Suwanrat of the Kla Party with 6,216, and Apirat Rattanapan of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, with 2,302 votes.
The ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) appeared on course to winning the Nakhon Si Thammarat by-election in a fiercely-fought battle with the coalition Democrat Party, the traditionally dominant player.