Bangkok: The country faces confusion as former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Thepthai Senpong criticizes Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Election Commission for their lack of awareness regarding vote buying despite widespread public knowledge and the circulation of money in the final stages of the southern election campaign.

According to Thai News Agency, Thepthai expressed his concerns on his Facebook page, questioning the Prime Minister and the Election Commission's claims of ignorance about vote buying activities. He highlighted that despite reports of irregularities and significant bank withdrawals, both Prime Minister Anutin and the Election Commission Secretary-General, Saeng Boonmee, have stated they have not received any such reports.

Rumors of vote buying are prevalent across the country, with the southern region particularly affected. While the Prime Minister and the Election Commission maintain their stance of not being informed, Thepthai suggests that civil servants from provincial governors to district officers might be aware but have not reported it. He argues that villagers are well aware of the situation, with lists for vote buying already compiled and money distributed in some districts.

Surveys by NIDA Poll and Songkhla Rajabhat University indicate an increase in support for the Democrat Party in the southern provinces, possibly due to the influence of "Abhisit fever." This development may compel candidates from parties associated with vote buying to intensify their efforts, increasing monetary circulation as the campaign progresses.

Thepthai urges the Election Commission and the Ministry of Interior to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the potential for increased fundraising efforts as the popularity of the Democrat Party and its leader, Abhisit, grows.