Tide of change threatens Khunpluem dynasty’s dominance in Pattaya elections

13 Sept 13:35 Key points summarised by AI

The Khunpluem family's decades-long political dominance in Chon Buri faces a significant challenge in the upcoming Pattaya mayoral election on May 22, with analysts predicting a potential shock loss.
The dynasty's influence is waning due to internal conflicts, shifting political and socio-economic landscapes, and an increasingly urbanized electorate less reliant on traditional local political families.
Strong opposition emerges from at least two major groups: The Progressive Movement and Pattaya Ruam Jai, led by a former mayor who has broken ties with the Khunpluems.
The election, the first in nearly a decade, is expected to heavily focus on Pattaya's economic recovery from the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its tourism-dependent economy.

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