A lot of expats on the island only ever realise there's an election on when they find, to their bemused dismay, that their favourite watering holes have downed their shutters, in compliance with local regulations.

The recent Or Bor Tor elections, held on 7 October 2007 saw a significant of the Phuket electorate heading off to the nearest polling booth to elect their representatives to the 8 Or Bor Tor constituencies on the island. The authorities were delighted with the turn out, which has by far exceeded the norm for previous elections. Khun Kaising Kawwang, the under local government officer of Or Bor Tor Sirsonton said he felt this was due to increased information to the people from the election committee.

The election, which saw some new faces emerge victorious while in other areas incumbents held on to their seats, was not without controversy; and accusations of vote-buying have prompted the relevant authorities to investigate these claims.

The Phuket Post caught up with one of the new incumbents, Khun Marnot Panchalad, voted to represent Or Bo Tor, Cherng Talay, to learn about his plans and hopes for his constituency and Phuket in general.

Khun Marnot's vision is to ?completely rectify every problem in my area.? Daunting as that may sound, and Khun Marnot accepts that this is not an easy task, the newly elected leader is eager to get started on tackling the immediate local problems including water supply, drainage, and to put an end to the shortage of drinking water.

Khun Marnot is keen to help the environment in his area. Taxes gained from the hotels, shop and other business should be used to save Surin Bay, beach and the local area, to ensure the future return of the tourists and to sustain the local residents' income from the area, te told the Post.

Khun Marnot says his new project is to make the Or Bor Tor, ?smile?.

This, he explained, means that he would like to ensure efficient, friendly service for both residents and tourists alike. He wants to improve the English language skills of his staff.

He is keen to keep the tourists happy and returning to the area. The high season has seen a large increase in bookings, he said, and Khun Marnot has plans to control the number of vendors on the beach, ?so that the holiday makers have some peace from interruptions.?

He hopes to make a commercial area for the vendors, to ensure that they do not lose their income.

Khun Marnot thinks it's important to instill a sense of community in the electorate to ensure they work together to solve local problems. ?I cannot do this alone,? he said, ?but it is my job to lead the way.?

He hopes also, that the former holders of his office, will help him complete the tasks that are so important for his area, with the experience they have gained over the years. No one, he said, should feel they have lost, as he will seek to gain their advice and help in all matters.

The winners:

Or Bor Tor - Cherng Talay
Marnot Panchalad - 2,083 votes

Or Bor Tor - Kok Kael
Kuregate Jibku - 2,401 votes


Or Bor Tor - Sirsonton
Khun Tamrong ? 3,733 votes

Or Bor Tor - Saku
Surapong Panyawai -1,437 votes

Or Bor Tor Mai Khao
Sarawot Sirsakukam - 3,861 votes

Or Bor Tor - Tepkaprasite
Sompop Konkaw - 3,746 votes
Or Bor Tor - Kamala
Juta Domlack - 1,448 votes

The Phuket Post caught up with one of the new incumbents, Khun Marnot Panchalad, voted to represent Or Bo Tor, Cherng Talay, to learn about his plans and hopes for his constituency and Phuket in general.

Khun Marnot's vision is to ?completely rectify every problem in my area.? Daunting as that may sound, and Khun Marnot accepts that this is not an easy task, the newly elected leader is eager to get started on tackling the immediate local problems including water supply, drainage, and to put an end to the shortage of drinking water.
Khun Marnot is keen to help the environment in his area. Taxes gained from the hotels, shop and other business should be used to save Surin Bay, beach and the local area, to ensure the future return of the tourists and to sustain the local residents' income from the area, te told the Post.
Khun Marnot says his new project is to make the Or Bor Tor, ?smile?.
This, he explained, means that he would like to ensure efficient, friendly service for both residents and tourists alike. He wants to improve the English language skills of his staff.
He is keen to keep the tourists happy and returning to the area. The high season has seen a large increase in bookings, he said, and Khun Marnot has plans to control the number of vendors on the beach, ?so that the holiday makers have some peace from interruptions.?
He hopes to make a commercial area for the vendors, to ensure that they do not lose their income.
Khun Marnot thinks it's important to instill a sense of community in the electorate to ensure they work together to solve local problems. ?I cannot do this alone,? he said, ?but it is my job to lead the way.?
He hopes also, that the former holders of his office, will help him complete the tasks that are so important for his area, with the experience they have gained over the years. No one, he said, should feel they have lost, as he will seek to gain their advice and help in all matters.