No Complaints in BMA Election Campaigning; EC Warns Candidates on Expenses

Khaosod•Politics•21d ago

Reader Briefing

Bangkok's gubernatorial and council candidate campaigning proceeds smoothly with no official complaints filed, though the Election Commission urges vigilance regarding expenses and neutrality.

•Bangkok's Governor and BMA Councillor election campaigning is proceeding smoothly in its first 7 days with no official complaints lodged.
•The Election Commission of Bangkok (ECB) has deployed rapid response teams to monitor districts and emphasizes the importance of official neutrality.
•Candidates are reminded to meticulously report campaign expenses, including those from media invitations and influencer activities, within 90 days post-election.

Overview

•In the first 7 days of campaigning for the Bangkok Governor and BMA Councillor elections, no official complaints have been filed.
•Watcharapol Samphant Sangkhamlert, Director of the Bangkok Election Commission, stated that campaigning has been orderly.
•The Bangkok Election Commission has deployed 50 rapid response teams in 50 electoral districts to quickly address any complaints or tip-offs.
•Candidates are currently undergoing qualification checks and are in the process of submitting campaign expense accounts, including those for social media and rallies, to the ECB.
•Media outlets inviting candidates to appear on television must be aware of potential complaints and ensure their own responsibility.
•Watcharapol Samphant Sangkhamlert emphasized that state officials must maintain political neutrality and not use their positions for or against any candidate.
•Candidates must submit their campaign expense accounts, including any costs incurred from media appearances exceeding 5,000 baht, within 90 days after the election.
•The ECB has no policy to organize debate stages for independent candidates, as this is the responsibility of the candidates themselves.

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Key Quotes

Watcharapol Samphant Sangkhamlert

"Currently, there are no reports of neutral officials; specific behavior must be identified, but no notification has been received. If a complaint is filed, facts must be investigated."

ขณะนี้ยังไม่ได้รับรายงานว่าเจ้าหน้าที่วางตัวไม่เป็นกลาง ซึ่งจะต้องมีการระบุพฤติการณ์ แต่ขณะนี้ยังไม่ได้รับแจ้ง หากมีการร้องเรียนก็ต้องตรวจสอบข้อเท็จจริง

Watcharapol Samphant Sangkhamlert

"Election law does not prohibit private entities, but if there are expenses, candidates must submit an account within 90 days. We must see if each invited station exceeds 5,000 baht."

กฎหมายการเลือกตั้งไม่ได้ห้ามเอกชน แต่หากมีค่าใช้จ่าย ผู้สมัครจะต้องยื่นบัญชี ภายใน 90 วัน โดยต้องดูว่าแต่ละสถานีที่เชิญมีค่าใช้จ่ายเกิน 5,000 บาทหรือไม่

Watcharapol Samphant Sangkhamlert

"I reiterate that state officials must remain politically neutral, not using their positions to benefit or harm candidates."

ย้ำว่าเจ้าหน้าที่ของรัฐจะต้องวางตัวเป็นกลางทางการเมือง ไม่ใช้ตำแหน่งหน้าที่อันเป็นคุณเป็นโทษต่อผู้สมัคร

Key Entities

Organization

Election Commission of Bangkok(กกต.กทม.)ℹ️

The official body overseeing the gubernatorial and BMA Councillor elections in Bangkok, responsible for monitoring campaigning and complaints.

Economy Party(พรรคเศรษฐกิจ)

A political party mentioned in relation to alleged position trading.

Person

Watcharapol Samphant Sangkhamlert(ว่าที่ร.ต.สัมพันธ์ แสงคำเลิศ)

Director of the Election Commission of Bangkok (ECB), who provided an update on the election campaigning.

Governor of Bangkok(ผู้ว่าฯกทม.)

A candidate position in the Bangkok gubernatorial election being reported on.

BMA Councillor(สก.)

A candidate position in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Councillor elections being reported on.

Place

Centara Life Hotel, Government Complex, Chaeng Watthana(โรงแรมเซ็นทาราไลฟ์ ศูนย์ราชการฯ แจ้งวัฒนะ)

The location where the Director of the Election Commission of Bangkok provided an update on the election campaigning.