10-Year Sentence! Election Commission Warns Candidates to Verify Qualifications Before Filing for Bangkok and Pattaya Elections; Media Share Holdings Follow 'Pita Case' Precedent
The Election Commission set June 28 for Bangkok and Pattaya elections, warning candidates to verify qualifications before registration opens May 28, with violations carrying up to 10 years imprisonment and permanent political rights depriva
On May 15, 2569, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission Pol.Lt.Col. Paskorn Siripokayaporn delivered a briefing at Tree City Five Hotel in Pattaya on the election procedures for Bangkok and Pattaya. He announced that May 21 will be the final working day for Bangkok Metropolitan Council members, the Pattaya Mayor, and Pattaya City Council members. The EC has approved elections for Bangkok and Pattaya on June 28, 2569, which falls on day 38 of the 45-day timeline. This date was selected to avoid potential legal challenges if elections were held on July 5, the final day of the 45-day period. The EC had previously announced the election timeline well in advance.
Candidate registration will run from May 28 to June 1, 2569, scheduled on weekdays to allow time for document preparation from government agencies and ensure readiness. Bangkok has over 6,000 polling units and Pattaya over 100, both considered special format elections with centralized oversight from the EC Secretary-General.
The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized that all prospective candidates must verify their qualifications and check 20 categories of disqualifying factors, including preparing required documents. Specifically, candidates must provide income tax payment records for three consecutive years (2566-2568) leading up to their candidacy, or a certification letter from relevant agencies if not a taxpayer. Medical certificates can be used to verify freedom from mental illness or drug addiction.
Regarding media share holdings, the EC will follow the Constitutional Court's ruling in the Pita Limjaroenrat case, examining whether the media company generated journalism revenue during the candidacy year. Disqualifying factors also include convictions for property-related crimes such as theft, embezzlement, receiving stolen goods, or fraud under the Criminal Code, which permanently bar individuals from politics. Exceptions apply to cannabis cultivation unless specifically intended for commercial purposes. Individuals under 2-year rights restriction due to failure to exercise voting rights can verify their status through the Department of Local Administration website.
Those who knowingly file despite disqualifications face severe penalties: 1-10 years imprisonment, fines of 20,000-200,000 baht, and potential 10-year rights deprivation. The Deputy Secretary-General noted that Bangkok and Pattaya elections differ from parliamentary elections. After registration, Bangkok and Pattaya administrators have 7 days to verify qualifications by consulting various agencies. During this period, candidates cannot withdraw, even if they subsequently become disqualified or pass away.
