Bangkok: Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP, Thepthai Senpong, has taken to his Facebook page, "Thepthai - Political Talk," to challenge the Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties on the topic of vote buying. He urged these parties to publicly denounce any candidates accused of such activities.

According to Thai News Agency, recent discussions have been dominated by rumors of vote buying in the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for February 8, 2026. The alleged price per vote is said to be as high as 7,500 baht. When asked about these claims, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, denied any involvement, equating the rumored price to buying a buffalo for 700-800 baht, thus questioning the credibility of the allegations. Similarly, Captain Thamanat Promphao of the Kla Tham Party expressed his disbelief, suggesting that such practices would lead to national ruin.

Thepthai urged both party leaders to declare publicly that any accusations of vote buying linked to their parties are false and defamatory. He emphasized that the public should refrain from voting for candidates accused of such activities, reinforcing the leaders' statements that their parties do not partake in vote buying.

He further stated that if there are indeed instances of vote buying, it could indicate impersonation of the Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties. Thepthai called for the Election Commission to actively investigate and prosecute those involved in such practices, to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Additionally, there have been online claims from lawyer Aun in Buriram alleging that 1 billion baht was distributed among governors of five southern provinces. Thepthai suggested that if true, it might indicate misuse of state power, as provincial governors have historically played roles in political party affiliations and election management.

He concluded by urging the Election Commission to probe whether state resources are being manipulated to favor particular political parties or candidates, ensuring a fair and transparent election process.