Thailand's local vote still mattersListen to this articleLocal voters in Or Bor Tor Tah Chang celebrate their mayor's victory on Jan 11, 2019. Without that responsiveness, local government becomes symbolic: present in form but limited in function. Local leaders may be elected, but they are not empowered. Local elections do not fix structural constraints, but they illuminate them. Thailand cannot continue electing local leaders while denying them the tools to lead with purpose and integrity.

Source: Bangkok Post January 09, 2026 23:47 UTC