The ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has declared victory in the by-election on Saturday in Lampang's Constituency 4 after its candidate beat its closest rival, from the Seri Ruamthai Party, by over 23,000 votes.
The by-election was made necessary by the death of Pheu Thai MP Itthirat Chantharasurin on May 7. Constituency 4 covers four districts: Ko Kha, Soem Ngam, Sop Prap, Thoen and Mae Phrik.
Five candidates contested the by-election: Wattana Sithiwang of the PPRP (No 1), Pol Lt Somboon Klapachon of the Seri Ruam Thai Party (No 2), Ampon Kamsriwan of the Palang Thongthin Thai (No 3), Ong-art Sin-ananseth of the Thai Rak Tham Party (No 4) and Pathitta Chaimoonchuen of the New Economics Party (No 5).
In Saturday's poll, 110,007 of the 162,920 eligible voters cast ballots at polling stations, a voter turnout of 67.52%.
On Sunday morning, the election committee of Lampang's Constituency 4 announced the results. Mr Wattana came first with 61,914 votes, followed by Pol Lt Somboon with 38,336, Ms Pathitta with 2,465, Mr Ampon with 292 and Mr Ong-art with 227.
While the vote count was still in progress on Saturday night, with Mr Wattana leading by over 20,000 votes, Capt Thamanat Prompow, the PPRP's chief strategist for the Upper North, declared victory for the PPRP.
Capt Thamamat thanked the Lampang people for their votes and congratulated Mr Wattana on his victory. He said he felt relieved after having tirelessly helped Mr Wattana in the campaign for about 20 days.
He said he would report the unofficial election results to Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the party's chief strategist.
Although the results have yet to be officially endorsed by the Election Commission, Gen Prawit thanked the people of Lampang for showing trust in Mr Wattana and the PPRP.
"The PPRP is ready to lead the people in every part of the country toward prosperity and well-being," he said.
Gen Prawit thanked Capt Thamanat for his important role in the party's campaign. He also thanked all officials concerned for having performed their duties well in organising the by-election.