Bangkok: The Election Commission (EC) has proposed that the Cabinet issue a royal decree to facilitate a new election for the Member of Parliament (MP) in Constituency 2, Bueng Kan. This proposal follows a Supreme Court ruling which ordered the revocation of Mr. Suwanna Kumpiro's candidacy rights and mandated him to pay nearly 10 million baht in compensation.
According to Thai News Agency, the EC's decision came after it petitioned the Supreme Court to revoke Mr. Kumpiro's candidacy for the House of Representatives in Bueng Kan Province, Constituency 2. The EC requested a new election to fill the vacant MP position, in accordance with the Organic Act on the Election of MPs, Section 138. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of this petition, citing the Organic Act on the Election of MPs, Section 139, and ordered Mr. Kumpiro to cover the election expenses.
The Supreme Court's judgment, identified as black case number Lot Sor Sor 6/2567 and red case number Lot Sor Sor 1/2568, dated 18 February 2568, prohibits Mr. Kumpiro from running for election for a period of 10 years. It further mandates a new MP election in Constituency 2 to replace him. The court also ordered Mr. Kumpiro to pay 9,852,954.13 baht in election expenses incurred on 14 May 2023, with an interest rate of 5 percent per annum from the date the petition was filed, 27 August 2024, until full payment is made. The interest rate may adjust according to any changes made by the Ministry of Finance through a Royal Decree, with an additional 2 percent per annum, but not exceeding 5 percent per annum.
As per Section 105 of the Constitution, when an MP position becomes vacant for reasons other than the expiration of the House of Representatives' term or its dissolution, a Royal Decree must be issued to conduct a by-election, unless the remaining term is less than 180 days. Section 102 outlines that upon the expiration of the House's term, a Royal Decree should be issued for a general election within 45 days.
The EC has forwarded a draft royal decree for the new election of MPs in Bueng Kan Province, Constituency 2, to the Cabinet Secretary. This draft is intended for submission to the Prime Minister for Cabinet consideration.