Chonburi: "Sonthiya" halted the Election Commission's decision to recount votes in Chonburi District 1, saying they shouldn't be intimidated by mob pressure and that people outside the district have no right to cause trouble. He questioned where the 8.7 billion baht election budget would come from if a recount was necessary in every polling station, nearly leading to a physical altercation with a villager who had come to request a recount, prompting a heated exchange during an interview.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sonthiya Sawasdee, a political activist, visited the Election Commission office to submit a letter requesting strict adherence to the Constitution and the 2018 Organic Law on the Election of Members of Parliament. He argued that Section 140 of the 2018 Organic Law clearly stipulates that anyone requesting a recount or verification of votes must be an eligible voter in that constituency, a candidate for Member of Parliament in that constituency, or a political party fielding a candidate in that constituency. He therefore presented this information to the Election Commission for their consideration and decision.
Regarding the case of Chonburi Province, District 1, if the process I have initially outlined does not follow, I request that the Election Commission not open the ballot boxes for a recount and prosecute all those involved who have violated the Constitution and the Organic Law on the Election of Members of Parliament. Meanwhile, any political party wishing to make demands or take any action should clearly state their intentions. The purpose of this action is to ensure the Election Commission operates in accordance with all provisions of the Constitution. I disagree with using extra-legal methods, especially protests that cause delays and unrest. I reiterate that I gain no benefit whatsoever; the election was conducted according to the will of the 52 million Thai people who exercised their right to vote.
"If the public sees that elections involve bribery and money, then the entire Thai nation will have to bear the consequences, which is getting a government riddled with corruption," Mr. Sonthiya said.
Mr. Sonthiya stated that the Election Commission should not be intimidated by the protests. He is willing to stand by them if their actions are in accordance with the Constitution, regardless of how others view it. He emphasized that while he has no personal stake in this matter, he has a stake in the nation and believes the legal process must be followed.
When asked about suspicions that a political party might be behind the scenes, Mr. Sonthiya stated that they must clearly identify themselves. He said they have every right to do so. Every political party that fielded candidates in that constituency can pursue issues of ballot irregularities or vote buying. He urged them to come forward, not remain behind the scenes. He questioned how the winning party could prevent a recount, and how the losing party could verify the fairness and integrity of the previous counting process. He acknowledged that it is a right of the people, but that right must not interfere with or violate the rights of the Election Commission. Regarding the Election Commission's meeting on the issue in Chonburi Constituency 1, he said he didn't have high expectations but did not support a recount in any province if it didn't follow legal procedures.
While the citizens claimed ignorance of their criminal offenses, Mr. Sonthiya stated that it's not about saying they committed a crime without knowing the law. He understands that those in Chonburi are intellectuals, younger generations who know the law, but they must accept responsibility for their actions. He emphasized the need for maintaining peace and order during the nationwide election in nearly 100,000 polling stations. He questioned where the 8.7 billion baht budget would come from and what the consequences would be.
"I exercised my rights under the Constitution to allow the Election Commission to consider and make a ruling. Whatever the outcome, it's up to the commission. I'm not referring to any political party. I'm not happy that people are being arrested and prosecuted, but Thailand must move forward, and it must be based on the legal process," Mr. Sonthiya said.
During Mr. Sonthiya's interview, a member of the public who had come to submit a petition for a recount asked who could submit such a request. Mr. Sonthiya replied that citizens and political parties within the same constituency can submit a formal petition directly to the Election Commission.
The citizen then argued why those outside the district weren't eligible, since the law stipulates that if an election is not fair and just, ordinary citizens can file a complaint. Mr. Sonthiya clarified that promising something, violating election laws, and requesting a recount were separate issues, leading to an argument that lasted about two minutes before they dispersed to submit their letters.