Democrat Party Accuses Bangkok Councilors of Proxy Voting
The Democrat Party filed complaints against People's Party Bangkok councilors after proxy voting was discovered during a council session, with one councilor admitting to casting votes for an absent colleague on August 3.
Democrat Party spokesman Pongsachorn Kwanmuang, along with five Bangkok City Councilors from his party, held a press conference on August 3 to address allegations of proxy voting by People's Party councilors in a recent Bangkok Metropolitan Council session. Pongsachorn stated that proxy voting had occurred and was admitted by those responsible, despite contradictory social media posts. The party plans to pursue three courses of action: filing a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission for violations under Criminal Code Section 157 and the Anti-Corruption Act of 2017 Section 172; submitting a letter to the Interior Ministry to investigate ethical violations and forward the case to the Bangkok Council; and signaling to the Council leadership to explain what disciplinary actions will be taken. Pongsachorn emphasized this is not political harassment but support for council transparency, questioning whether Council leadership has the integrity to prosecute fairly. Councilor Napapol Jirakul explained the electronic voting system used by the Bangkok Council, noting that on the day in question, 41 councilors appeared on screen but only 40 were physically present, indicating one card was left inserted. When voting commenced, 41 votes were recorded, confirming one person voted twice. Councilor Pattasakdi Mainakorn of the People's Party later admitted to voting on behalf of Sairam Prakaykit, confirming the double vote. The Democrats rejected claims of machine malfunction, noting the system would show an orange signal if defective.
