Bangkok: Pheu Thai Party held a press conference after receiving more than 61 complaints through the "Anti-Corruption Center." The complaints revealed instances of vote buying involving the giving of assets in several provinces, but there is still no information on payments of 7,500 baht per person. It is suspected that these payments were made to community leaders, including village headmen and sub-district chiefs. The party also noted an unusually high number of advance voter registrations in Khon Kaen and Phayao provinces and instructed its parliamentary candidates to observe the process on February 1st.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party and Director of the Election Fraud Reporting Center, held a press conference at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters, joined by Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, the party's secretary-general, and Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, a party leader. Mr. Chusak stated that the Pheu Thai Party has operated the election fraud prevention center since January 5th, continuously functioning to oversee and receive complaints. From January 5th to 22nd, the center received approximately 61 complaints regarding election fraud, with the majority of these complaints found to have merit.
Mr. Chusak explained that the majority of complaints involved the distribution of gifts, property, or false accusations, which are violations of election laws. The center has compiled the substantive allegations into draft complaints to be submitted to the investigating officers and the Election Commission in each relevant province. Currently, approximately seven complaints have been filed in provinces such as Pathum Thani, Satun, Suphan Buri, Bueng Kan, and Bangkok, with three complaints in Bangkok alone.
He emphasized the signals emerging regarding the election suggest the use of benefits and assets to influence the election results, urging the Election Commission to consider this matter quickly. He also raised concerns about a lack of neutrality. Mr. Chusak highlighted another issue analyzed by the Anti-Corruption Center: significant discrepancies in advance voting registration in approximately 26 provinces, with a percentage increase exceeding 100 percent compared to the 2023 election.
The anti-corruption center plans to inform parliamentary candidates to appoint observers to monitor the voting process on advance voting day, February 1st. Observers will monitor the voting procedure, including photographing vehicles used to bring voters. Mr. Chusak stated that he had not been informed of specific amounts for vote buying but acknowledged receiving information about vote buying, with amounts depending on the district.
Mr. Prasert noted that paying 7,500 baht per vote would require a large sum, given constituencies with over 100,000 eligible voters. Mr. Phumtham added reports from the northeastern region and city districts, as well as central and western provinces, indicate potential vote buying, though figures are not confirmed at 7,500 baht per person. The distribution may have targeted leaders, village headmen, or community leaders, amounting to tens of thousands of baht.