Pattaya, Thailand – June 16th, 2026 – The race for Pattaya mayor has intensified as Sakchai Tangho, candidate number 3 from the Pattaya 2030 team, strongly denied accusations of vote-buying and called on voters to report any impersonators using his team’s name for illegal activities.
He also spoke to what his priorities would be as a mayor, including creating a more comprehensive database in conjunction with law enforcement agencies of all foreigners living and working in Pattaya to help stop gray capital, unlawful activities, and foreigners illegally running businesses, as well as resolving flooding and PM 2.5 issues, and helping the homeless.
Speaking at the Pattaya 2030 headquarters in The Loveland on Soi Phothisan, Sakchai Tangho addressed concerns raised during his campaign. Since candidate registration opened on the 28th of May, his team has conducted intensive grassroots canvassing, wanting to visit all four districts and 42 communities. The candidate says he personally spends 8–10 hours daily meeting residents to present policies and listen to their problems.
“While campaigning in the area behind Wat Tham, we received complaints that someone was collecting names and claiming connections to our election campaign, creating misunderstandings that this was vote-buying,” Sakchai said. “I feel uneasy and concerned that this could damage our reputation and credibility.”
He firmly stated that neither he nor his team has any policy of buying votes and will not tolerate anyone misusing the Pattaya 2030 name. Sakchai urged supporters not to engage in any actions that could harm the election or his reputation. He asked the public to report any suspected impersonators through the team’s official social media channels if they encounter individuals collecting names or offering benefits in exchange for votes.
The team has already compiled evidence and filed a complaint with the Election Commission. Sakchai warned that any further violations will result in legal action against those involved. “The fight against corruption and malpractice must begin with our own team,” he said, wanting to set a new standard for transparent and accountable local politics.
On the campaign trail, Sakchai identified several pressing issues raised by residents. Top among them is the problem of “gray capital”, foreign entities operating illegal businesses, taking jobs from Thais, and using Pattaya as a base for unlawful activities.
He pledged to elevate this issue to a city-wide priority, calling for the creation of a comprehensive database of foreign residents and business operators in coordination with relevant agencies to enable strict law enforcement and screening.
Flooding was another major concern. Sakchai stressed that solutions require scientific data and a full survey of the city’s water systems, including canals, drainage channels, and encroached public spaces. He plans to restore efficient drainage routes to the sea and enhance existing flood mitigation projects.
The candidate also spoke to the plight of the homeless and vagrants, which many residents raised during door-to-door visits. He proposed establishing a systematic care and rehabilitation center. Genuine cases would be referred to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, while those with work potential would receive treatment, rehabilitation, and job training. Pattaya’s abundant employment opportunities, particularly in city cleaning and maintenance, could help reintegrate them into society with income and dignity.
Additionally, Sakchai addressed environmental issues, especially PM2.5 dust affecting beach areas like Jomtien. He called for improved city cleanliness measures, integrating rehabilitated individuals into these efforts, and upgrading living conditions in rundown communities. He noted that many children and youth are growing up in substandard environments that hinder their development.
Sakchai concluded by urging Pattaya residents to exercise their voting rights on June 28th. He reminded voters that a clean campaign starts with the Pattaya 2030 team.
The Pattaya mayoral election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched local polls in Thailand, with transparency and integrity emerging as central battlegrounds.
