The Study of Political Movements of Candidates and Political Parties and Electoral Behavior of the Voters in 2023 General Election, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

The research aimed at studying of political movements of candidates and political parties as well as the electoral behaviors of the voters in the 2023 general election in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. This study was a qualitative research approach, combining documentary and field research using in-depth interviews. Key informants included candidates from political parties and their supporters, relevant government agencies, including the officials from the Provincial Election Commission Office, civil servants involved in election management, political science scholars, and voters. The research finding showed that 1) political movements of political parties and politicians in Nakhon Si Thammarat province as a whole revealed the change in the mixture of elected political parties. In the previous election (2019), two political parties won the election, namely the Democrat Party and the Palang Pracharath Party. However, in the current election (2023), there are more political parties that were voted for, namely, the Democrat Party, the Bhumjaithai Party, and the United Thai Nation Party. 2) Patronage and vote canvasser systems are still necessary and important for elections. The Democratic Party maintains extensive ties to local political networks and leaders, which gives it an advantage over other political parties.The Move Forward Party showed clear support from the new generation and first-time voters. The Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, and United Thai Nation Parties employed the government mechanism agencies and community leaders as supporters in the area.