The Election Commission (EC) has decided to petition the Appeal Court to consider disqualifying five local administration officials for violating the election law.
Dusadee Pornsuksawat, deputy secretary-general of the EC, said the decision was made during the commission’s meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In addition to the disqualification bid, the EC plans to also file criminal charges against the group for alleged vote-buying, Mr Dusadee said.
The group comprises Sitthichai Phankham, president of Tambon Khong Chiam local administration organisation; Jirawat Krutsangwal, mayor of Tambon Lam Kaen municipality in Phangnga’s Thai Muang district; and Wuthichai Somwong, president of Tambon Khong Pit local administration organisation in Si Sa Ket’s Nam Kliang district.
The others are Boonchai Thongkhamnuch, a member of Tambon Tha Lat local administration organisation in Ubon Ratchathani’s Warin Chamrap district; and Boonthanan Tosing, president of Tambon Non local administration organisation in Surin’s Non Narai district.
In one of the cases, Mr Chuwit allegedly helped win over voters for Mr Sitthichai by giving them free rice during the election campaign.