Klatham Party Withdraws from Sa Kaeo By-Election
The Klatham Party announced it will not contest the upcoming by-election in Sa Kaeo Constituency 3 following the death of MP Surasak Chingnawan, citing insufficient time to find a qualified candidate. Party spokesman Athikan Sirilatthayakorn denied the move is a political retreat and affirmed the party's commitment to supporting the Chingnawan family's continued service to the province.
On November 10, 2026, at Klatham Party headquarters, Chachoengsao MP Athikan Sirilatthayakorn, in his capacity as party spokesman, announced after a party meeting that the Klatham Party would not nominate a candidate for the by-election in Sa Kaeo Constituency 3 to succeed the late Surasak Chingnawan, former MP for the district.
Over the past two weeks, party leader Captain Thammanat Prompao and party executives held continuous discussions with the Surasak family. The party never intended to abstain from the race, but after assessing the timeline and readiness of potential candidates, found no one prepared and willing to run under the party banner within the short window. Meanwhile, the Chingnawan family expressed strong intent to continue working with the party to carry on Surasak's mission of serving the people of Sa Kaeo, particularly in Constituency 3.
Athikan emphasized the party prioritizes candidate selection because the representative must be capable of addressing local problems, especially Sa Kaeo's struggling economy across both agriculture and commerce sectors — issues requiring someone who understands the area and can work continuously.
"If not the Chingnawan family, we are not confident anyone else could step in to manage and solve problems for our brothers and sisters in Sa Kaeo on such short notice, because the work standard of MP Surasak has been consistently accepted by the public, especially in Aranyaprathet, where voter response has always been strong."
The party confirmed that if the Chingnawan family is ready, it will fully support their candidacy in the next by-election. The family has pledged to continue serving the people of Sa Kaeo even if they do not hold political office in the near future; Surasak's spirit lives on, entrusted to his wife, children, and relatives to carry forward.
Asked about reports that Pheu Thai candidate Suwong Thienthong had approached the party regarding the by-election, Athikan said he had never heard of or discussed such matters. He stressed the party's decision was unrelated to external political factors, but based on suitability, readiness, and respect for the deceased's family.
"The Klatham Party values every area and every constituency because the people have placed their trust in us. This decision had to consider the feelings and morale of the Surasak family. We confirm everyone remains in good spirits and will continue working with the party to serve the people of Sa Kaeo."
Athikan reiterated that the Klatham Party has no intention of withdrawing from the electoral arena and remains confident in its voter base in the area, especially the achievements and bonds Surasak built with the public. The party stands ready to continue addressing problems and caring for the people of Sa Kaeo to the fullest.
