Phitsanulok: The Election Commission (EC) is gearing up to delve deeper into identifying individuals responsible for commissioning mysterious signs that appeared in Phitsanulok. The EC Secretary-General has confirmed the identification of the company responsible for producing these signs, and further investigations are underway to ascertain who ordered them, with an initial focus on whether the messages involved constitute defamation. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, commented on the mysterious messages displayed on signs in Phitsanulok province, revealing that the EC has received an initial report from the area and acknowledged the incident. They are currently in the process of gathering evidence to determine if the messages are defamatory. Mr. Saeng requested time to thoroughly investigate the facts, stating that the EC is committed to uncovering who created the signs and whether they defame any candidate or political party. He refrained from f urther comments, emphasizing the adherence to the investigative process. Mr. Saeng highlighted that the Political Parties Act mandates party executives to control and supervise their members during the election period to maintain fairness and integrity. Should such actions come to the attention of the Registrar of Political Parties, corrective measures must be enforced, failing which, the Registrar will propose the removal of all party members from their positions and recommend criminal penalties ranging from 7 to 15 years imprisonment. This measure aligns with the Organic Act on Political Parties, Sections 22, 104, and 105, designed to ensure a fair election. The current situation in Phitsanulok remains under investigation, but it has already cast an unfavorable shadow over the election atmosphere. Mr. Saeng stressed the importance of preventing violence, physical intimidation, hate speech, or defamation in competitive election environments. Mr. Saeng further elaborated on the legal context, stating that t he election law addresses defamatory statements made by "anyone," but if a political party is involved, it falls under both election and political party laws. These laws obligate political parties and their executive committees to prevent such behavior among their members. While the law allows for rectification, it is not initially considered an offense. However, if deemed an offense, the EC will follow the election law procedures, beginning with rectification orders. Should the executive committee disregard such orders, the EC will propose their removal and a 20-year ban from political engagement. Mr. Saeng noted that no similar signs have been reported in other areas.
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