PATTAYA, Thailand– On June 25th, 2026, at 6:00 PM, Pattaya City officials, led by Kiattisak Sriwongchai, Permanent Secretary of Pattaya City and Acting Mayor, who also serves as the Director of the Pattaya Local Election Commission, welcomed participants to the “Big Day” campaign rally set at promoting the upcoming election of Pattaya City Council members and Mayor.
Chonburi Province Governor Naris Niramaiwong led the opening ceremony, while Ms. Manatsanun Witthana, Director of the Provincial Election Commission Office for Chonburi, delivered the activity report. Also in attendance were Election Commissioner Jirutam Wisalchit, Chonburi Deputy Governor Isra Charoenchasri, Chonburi Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongphan Wongmanithet, Bang Lamung District Chief Anusak Phiriyomron, members of the Chonburi Provincial Election Commission, government agency heads, and representatives from the public, private sector, and civil society. The event took place in front of Central Pattaya on Pattaya Beach Road.
The activity, jointly organized by Pattaya City and the Chonburi Provincial Election Commission Office, served as the final major push to encourage residents to exercise their voting rights in the Pattaya City Council and Mayoral elections. Held under the theme “United in Integrity, Vote Transparently, Together Go to the Polls,” the campaign sought to symbolically urge citizens to participate enthusiastically in the local democratic process, however did not push any specific candidate but instead pushed just to vote.
Organizers stated that active citizen participation at the local level is essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring sustainable development for Pattaya. A highlight of the event was a 1.5-kilometer awareness march/parade along Pattaya Beach Road, featuring promotional banners and ending at Walking Street, designed to raise public awareness and energize voters across the city.
In his keynote address, Governor Naris Niramaiwong stressed the fundamental importance of voting, describing it as the cornerstone of democracy and a vital opportunity for residents to shape Pattaya’s future direction.
“This is the chance for the people to select individuals with knowledge, capability, and vision to administer the locality, advance its progress, and truly respond to the needs of the residents,” he said. “I urge all eligible voters to thoroughly study the candidates’ backgrounds, apply sound judgment with integrity, and collectively ensure the election is clean, transparent, fair, and free from corruption so that qualified representatives are chosen to serve the public.”
The campaign forms part of broader efforts by the Election Commission to develop informed and responsible voter participation, increase turnout, reduce invalid ballots, and uphold the principles of a fair and honest election. Officials expressed gratitude to all sectors for uniting in support of the initiative to develop Pattaya together.
The Pattaya City Council and Mayoral elections are scheduled for June 28, 2026 and polls are open from 8-5. Bangkok is also having an election for governor. By Thai law, regardless of ability to vote, there will be an alcohol sales ban in all voting areas from 6:00 PM on Saturday June 27th until 6:00 PM on Sunday, June 28th.
Photos by Mr. Somprasong Phochanphan, Mr. Thanaphong Unmak, and Ms. Chinanang Chumchuea, PattayaPR
Public Relations Division, Tourism and Sports Bureau
