Palang Pracharath Party Under Fire: Over 100 Former Candidates File for Party Dissolution Over Unequal Campaign Funding
Over 100 former Palang Pracharath candidates petitioned Thailand's Election Commission to dissolve the party, alleging it unfairly distributed campaign funds and support to favored groups during the 2019 election.
On May 5, 2569, at the Election Commission office, Sandhya Sawatsdi, a former parliamentary candidate from Samut Sakhon District 2, and Samai Ramanyudom, a former candidate from Pathum Thani District 2 of the Palang Pracharath Party, led a group of over 100 former candidates in submitting a petition to the Election Commission. They requested the commission investigate and refer the matter to the Constitutional Court for dissolving the Palang Pracharath Party and stripping political rights from party executives and leadership. The complaint centers on allegations that after nominating candidates for the 2019 election, the party failed to provide equal financial and campaign support, engaging in discriminatory and non-transparent practices that favored certain groups. Sandhya stated they are calling on the Election Commission to investigate whether the party provided financial support to specific individuals or groups during the previous election, particularly regarding alleged funds received from major donors. If confirmed, they want clarity on where that money went and how it was distributed, so the matter can be referred to the Constitutional Court for dissolution proceedings.
