Surawong Draws Ballot No. 1 in Sa Kaeo By-Election Bid
Former Tourism Minister Surawong Thienthong registered as a Pheu Thai candidate for the Sa Kaeo District 3 parliamentary by-election on December 6, drawing the coveted ballot number one. He campaigned on resolving border-related economic hardships and boosting local tourism, then began a four-district motorcade to rally support.
On November 9, 2026, at the Aranyaprathet District Office in Sa Kaeo Province, media reported the first day of candidate registration for the by-election to fill the vacant MP seat. Surawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai Party deputy leader, former District 3 MP, and former Tourism and Sports Minister, submitted his candidacy alongside former Pheu Thai candidate Yanika Thienthong and the local Pheu Thai team, welcomed by enthusiastic supporters from across the district. Surawong drew ballot number one for the election scheduled on December 6.
Surawong expressed confidence and readiness, noting his continuous grassroots presence despite losing the previous general election. He emphasized this by-election's importance due to ongoing Thai-Cambodian border issues, particularly economic impacts on locals. He pledged to serve as their voice in parliament, pushing for solutions and development to revive the area.
He also aims to continuously promote new tourist attractions and Sa Kaeo's local products — such as Mo Hom fabric, a local wisdom, and diverse local foods rooted in community culture — by collaborating with private and public sectors to create new events that draw tourism revenue into the region.
Surawong then led a motorcade through the four districts comprising District 3: Aranyaprathet, Ta Phraya, Khao Chakan, and parts of Watthana Nakhon (Chong Kum and Sae O subdistricts), with residents lining the routes to offer encouragement.
