Khlong Luang: Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani residents have escalated their concerns to the Election Commission, seeking a thorough investigation into the mayoral election of Khlong Luang Municipality due to suspected fraudulent campaign activities by the candidates.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prachya Sriboonnarat, representing approximately 50 concerned voters, submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission. The complaint is a follow-up on a previous petition submitted to the Pathum Thani Provincial Election Commission, which included evidence suggesting that the elected mayoral candidate’s campaign documents contained false claims. The documents purportedly detailed the candidate’s past roles as a former advisor to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and chairman of various municipal policy committees. Mr. Prachya questioned the legitimacy of these positions and whether they complied with governmental laws and regulations, suggesting that any discrepancies could have misled vot
ers.
Mr. Prachya emphasized that despite earlier submissions to the Pathum Thani Provincial Election Commission, no actions have been taken, nor have the concerned parties been summoned for statements. He expressed concern about possible interference by influential political figures in the province, which could obscure the investigation’s progress and prematurely validate the election results. Mr. Prachya urged the Election Commission to ensure integrity and transparency, reflecting the commission’s commitment to uphold the law.
Additionally, a voter raised concerns about the conduct of an election observer linked to a mayoral candidate. On election day, this observer allegedly distributed drinking water to voters at polling station 5, constituency 2, prompting questions about potential election law violations and fairness at that station.
Reporters noted that the November 17 mayoral election was called to fill a vacancy left by the removal of Ekapoj Panyam from office on September 25, 2024, as ordered by
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The election featured three candidates: Mr. Yuthasak Chuprasert from the Yuthasak Phatthana team, Mr. Prawat Noirot, and Mr. Sthaporn Ngamchawee, both from the Ekapoj friend team. The final vote count declared Mr. Yuthasak as the winner with 15,260 votes, followed by Mr. Prawat with 13,633 votes, and Mr. Sthaporn with 374 votes.