Bangkok: Ruangrai has petitioned the Election Commission to rule on the candidacy of Thawiphop, a candidate for Bangkok MP from the People's Democratic Party, citing potential illegality in the resignation process of Boonrit Raorungroj from the party.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ruangrai Leekitwattana, a candidate from the Palang Pracharath Party for Bangkok's Constituency 4, submitted a request to the Election Commission. He seeks an investigation into the candidacy of Mr. Thawiphip Limjitrakorn for Bangkok's Constituency 33. This candidacy arose following the resignation of Mr. Boonrit Raorungroj, who is involved in a drug money laundering case. Ruangrai questioned whether the process adhered to the Political Parties Act B.E. 2560 (2017), highlighting that Raorungroj's resignation lacked a signature and registration number as required by Section 50.

Mr. Ruangrai expressed no objection to the candidate change, provided it adhered to legal procedures. He detailed the rapid sequence of events: Mr. Boonrit, initially assigned ballot number 11, was arrested on December 29, 2015, resigned, and was replaced by Mr. Thawiphip on the same day. Ruangrai found it peculiar that no visits to Mr. Boonrit occurred during his police detention, yet his unsigned resignation letter appeared on the Election Commission's website. He questioned whether the resignation met the requirements of Section 27 of the Political Parties Act, as incomplete resignation might mean Mr. Boonrit is not legally disqualified from being an MP candidate.

Ruangrai noted the absence of similar rulings or court decisions on the Election Commission's website, indicating the unresolved nature of the case and the lack of precedent. Consequently, he submitted a petition for a ruling and urged the People's Party to publicly disclose the candidate change procedures, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.