Election Commission Prosecutes 99 Ineligible Candidates
The Election Commission is prosecuting 99 candidates for provincial and governor positions who registered despite lacking required qualifications or having disqualifying factors. Convictions carry prison terms up to ten years and voting rig
The Election Commission has decided to pursue criminal charges against 99 candidates for provincial administration council seats and governor positions who registered to run knowing they lacked the required qualifications or had disqualifying characteristics. The Election Commission office issued announcement number 438/2569 on September 4, 2025, detailing the decision based on resolutions from commission meetings held on June 30 and August 11, 2025, regarding criminal proceedings against such candidates under Section 120 of the Local Administration Election Act of 2562 and its amendments.
The commission voted to prosecute 99 candidates (none of whom currently hold office) for knowingly registering to run while lacking qualifications or possessing disqualifying factors. Under Section 120 of the statute, those convicted face imprisonment of one to ten years, fines between 20,000 and 200,000 baht, and may have their voting rights suspended for up to 20 years. Further information is available on the Election Commission website at www.ect.go.th or by calling the hotline 1444.
