Bangkok: The Election Commission has submitted a lawsuit to the Supreme Court against two candidates for the Samut Prakan Provincial Senate and is moving forward with criminal charges following the discovery of clear evidence of negotiations to offer positions and benefits in exchange for votes. According to Thai News Agency, the Election Commission’s website published the ruling, mandating the filing of a petition to the Supreme Court to revoke the right to run for election and the right to vote of Mr. Khwanchai Boonphet, a candidate for the provincial senator in Samut Prakan Province, Group 15, and Mr. Mongkol Leela-lekkiat, a candidate for the district senator in Mueang Samut Prakan District, as well as Mr. Nithipol Boonphet, who is not a candidate for the senate.

The allegations, supported by evidence from Section 62 of the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators B.E. 2561 and Section 226 of the Constitution, involve criminal actions as per Section 77(1) of the same act. On 13 June 67, the individuals were reportedly involved in a meeting at Krua Khun No Thai Food Restaurant, where a conversation regarding the selection of provincial and national senators, vote exchanges, and benefit offers was recorded.

Mr. Mongkol was noted saying, “I’m looking for a group, joining together, and looking at each person’s objectives. Do you want points? I have someone to exchange. If you’re willing to back down, I have one. Or if you want a position, I have a position for you. If I get in.” Furthermore, Mr. Nithipol stated, “That is (witness name)… you have to understand me in one way, that I came down to help my father,” revealing his role in negotiating votes for Mr. Khwanchai.

Analysis of Mr. Mongkol’s phone records from 1 May 2024 to 30 June 2024 showed 34 calls to Mr. Khwanchai and 23 to Mr. Nithipol, indicating possible collusion. The evidence suggests violations under Section 77 (3) of the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators 2018, pointing to corrupt practices that compromise the integrity of the election, as outlined in Section 62 of the same law.