Phuket: The Supreme Court has ordered the removal of Mr. Cholsit Kaewyarat's name from the list of candidates for Member of Parliament in Phuket Constituency 2. Mr. Kaewyarat, who was candidate number 1 for the Kla Tham Party, was disqualified due to his ownership of media shares, which is prohibited under the election laws.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Orapin Achivasuk, Director of the Election Commission of Phuket Province, announced that the Supreme Court's decision was based on Section 42 (3) of the law, which disqualifies candidates who own or hold shares in any newspaper or media business. The court's ruling followed a request from the Phuket Election Commission after confirming Mr. Cholsit's media ownership subsequent to the certification announcement of the parliamentary candidates on January 7, 2026.

The Director of the Phuket Election Commission confirmed that Mr. Cholsit has officially lost his candidacy status. Consequently, the Director of the Constituency 2 Election Commission office will release an official announcement to withdraw his name from the ballots. Voters in Constituency 2 are advised that voting for candidate number 1 will result in a spoiled ballot, and they should select another candidate.

Reporters note that following Mr. Cholsit's removal, five candidates remain in the race for Phuket's Constituency 2. These candidates are Mr. In Phetchin of the Economic Party, Mr. Sanakorn Kisin of the Bhumjaithai Party, Ms. Natthaporn Phanitphichetwong of the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Somchart Somnam of the Democrat Party, and Mr. Chalermpong Saengdee of the People's Party.