Chiang mai: The Supreme Court has acquitted the Election Commission (EC) of wrongdoing in issuing a "yellow card" to Surapol Kiattichaiyakorn, a former MP from Chiang Mai, effectively disqualifying him from the 2019 election. This decision comes after a prolonged legal battle that lasted more than seven years, with Surapol seeking over 80 million baht in damages.

According to Thai News Agency, the lawsuit filed by Surapol stemmed from the EC's decision to disqualify him based on a complaint that he had given a 2,000 baht donation in an envelope for his birthday. This was deemed a violation by the Chiang Mai Provincial Election Commission, which quickly forwarded the case to the central Election Commission. The issuance of the yellow card led to a re-election in District 8, where Surapol was temporarily disqualified, and Ms. Srinual Boonlue of the then Future Forward Party won the election.

The Supreme Court ruled to dismiss the case, indicating that the 2019 EC had no motive to falsely accuse Surapol. Despite the civil case being dismissed, the Supreme Court's Election Division had previously ruled that Surapol had not violated election laws, highlighting some contradictions in the legal proceedings. Following the acquittal, Surapol's legal team plans to file a petition to the Supreme Court's Grand Chamber for further review.

Surapol has maintained his innocence throughout his political career, asserting he has never engaged in vote buying or violated election laws. He expressed acceptance of the Supreme Court's decision and remains optimistic about the future, citing a belief in karma. Surapol also mentioned he would consider the needs of his constituents before deciding on his future political endeavors.