Bangkok: The Director of the Bangkok Election Commission explained that changing a parliamentary candidate is permissible according to the law. The Director of the Bangkok Election Commission addressed concerns over the People's Party's decision to change its candidate for Member of Parliament in Constituency 33, confirming the legality of such a move under current legislation.

According to Thai News Agency, Sub-Lieutenant Sampan Saengkhamlert, Director of the Bangkok Election Commission Office, elaborated on the situation, which arose after the original candidate was disqualified due to their involvement in a drug-related money laundering case. The Director clarified that under Section 50 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives, it is lawful to replace a candidate if the original candidate dies, lacks necessary qualifications, or has prohibited characteristics as defined by law.

The original candidate's resignation from the political party rendered him unqualified under Section 41 (3) of the Organic Law, thereby permitting the party to legally substitute him with another candidate. Despite prior primary voting, parties are allowed to make such changes during the legally allotted period, maintaining compliance with election regulations. The new candidate will retain the original candidate's number but must pay a new registration fee of 10,000 baht.

Sub-Lieutenant Sampan highlighted that these regulations, in place since 2017, have been consistently applied across Thailand in elections held in 2019, 2023, and 2025. The rules are not exclusive to Bangkok, with similar candidate withdrawals occurring in Surin province, though without the introduction of new candidates. These actions adhere to the Election Commission's regulations as outlined in Article 93.

Addressing concerns about potential political manipulation, Sub-Lieutenant Sampan emphasized that the matter is inherently political and should be managed by the parties themselves. The Election Commission's role is strictly to enforce the legal framework and regulations surrounding elections, without intervening in political strategies or disputes.