Bangkok: Saeng, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, has clarified the situation regarding 10 parliamentary candidates and politicians implicated in gambling websites and scams. He has stated that candidates released before February 8th will not face disqualification. However, those detained beyond this period will be immediately disqualified, with the Election Commission planning to post warning notices at polling stations to ensure that any inadvertent votes cast for these individuals will be deemed invalid.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, the Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), addressed concerns following the revelation by the Minister of Justice about the involvement of 10 parliamentary candidates in gambling and scam activities. Mr. Saeng specified that candidates who are arrested but released before the election day, February 8th, will not be disqualified. However, if they are still detained on election day or if they choose to resign from their party, they will be considered disqualified. Notices will be posted to inform eligible voters about these disqualifications to prevent invalid votes, although any votes cast for these candidates will still be marked as invalid.

Furthermore, Mr. Saeng addressed concerns about the use of funds obtained through scams for election campaigns. He mentioned that the Election Commission would investigate any such use of illicit funds. While scammer money is already illegal under existing laws, the improper use of such funds for vote-buying remains a critical issue. Mr. Saeng emphasized the illegality of using these funds for electoral purposes, regardless of their origin.