The Election Commission (EC) yesterday endorsed the results of the May 22 local government elections in Pattaya, which consolidated the hold of the Kunplome family on the resort city's political scene.
While the EC ruled that the polls were transparent and fair, the results could still be investigated if complaints were filed.
The election saw Poramase Ngamphiches of the Love Pattaya group being elected mayor with about 14,000 votes -- about 2,000 more than his closest rival, Sinchai Watthasartsathorn of the Pattaya Ruam Chai group.
Mr Poramase ran after outgoing mayor Sonthaya Kunplome decided not to run in order to prepare his Palang Chon faction, now under the Palang Pracharath Party, for the general election. He was endorsed by Mr Sonthaya.