PATTAYA, THAILAND – The city of Pattaya entered a formally mandated 180-day period of strict election restrictions limiting municipal decisions until the end of the current term.
Legal freeze triggered under national election law
The move followed an official notice from Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, confirming that from 22 November 2025 a compulsory 180-day restriction period before the end of the present term was in force. The measure was based on the Local Election Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and its amendments, which applied to local authorities across Thailand. It was intended to ensure that incumbents did not gain advantages from their positions in the months leading up to municipal elections, which were expected around Songkran 2026.
Ban on new projects, budgets and campaign-style activity
The announcement listed several activities that were strictly prohibited during the freeze. These included approving or announcing new projects or budget allocations that could be seen as incentives for voters, and using state resources, vehicles, staff or facilities for personal or political benefit. Public communication by the mayor or city officials that could be interpreted as election campaigning, and offering, promising or granting money or other benefits to individuals, groups or communities with the aim of influencing votes, were also banned.
City operations to continue with added scrutiny
Mayor Poramese stressed that day-to-day administration would continue despite the restrictions.
“Regular administrative duties will continue as usual, but with the highest possible transparency and strict compliance with the law.”
said Poramese Ngampichet, mayor of Pattaya. He underlined that all municipal actions during the restriction period should be legally reviewable and that any form of preferential treatment must be avoided.
Complaint channels shifted to official platforms
To separate his office from potential election communication, the mayor temporarily suspended the receipt of complaints via his personal social media channels. Municipal services were to continue without interruption but be routed through official contact points, including the 24-hour call center 1337, the official Facebook page PR PATTAYA and the Pattaya City Complaint Center in person or via the official website. According to the city administration, this change was meant to ensure that public concerns were still handled while avoiding any overlap with possible electioneering.
Standard practice nationwide before local polls
The 180-day restriction was described as a standardised procedure in Thailand ahead of local elections and applied in other municipalities and provinces as a fixed part of the electoral system. In Pattaya, it meant that major political decisions and public appearances by the mayor would remain under close scrutiny into 2026. City hall remained operational but worked within a clearly defined legal framework aimed at neutrality and fairness in the electoral process.