On December 17, Mr. Panart Chairat, a prospective candidate for Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) Chief under the People's Party, announced plans to deploy party leaders to assist in the campaign for PAO Chief and council members. While the official candidate registration opens on December 23, Mr. Panart stated that details regarding key figures joining the campaign would be finalized after further discussions. Despite ongoing deliberations, he emphasized that he and other candidates are actively engaging with the public.
Regarding reports that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will campaign for Mr. Pichai Lertpongadisorn, the former Chiang Mai PAO Chief running under the Pheu Thai Party from December 23-25, Mr. Panart expressed no concern, citing his strong local ties to Chiang Mai and readiness to compete.
Mr. Panart further noted that the Chiang Mai PAO election will likely draw significant attention as Chiang Mai is a major city with national political symbolism. Beyond local governance, key issues include environmental and economic challenges, which are central to the campaign.