The Khon Kaen Election Commission is preparing to submit a petition to the Fourth Regional Appeals Court within 30 days after the Central Election Commission resolved to hold a new election for the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization governor due to violations committed by a supporter. The director of the Khon Kaen Election Commission revealed that although the Central Election Commission dismissed the petition against the governor, once the court accepts the case, the governor must immediately suspend duties.
At 1:30 p.m. on 17 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at the Khon Kaen Election Commission office, Watchara Sisan, director of the Khon Kaen Election Commission, disclosed that the Central Election Commission is currently in the process of issuing a ruling. Following the Central Election Commission’s decision, the Khon Kaen commission was informed of the outcome of petition number Lot(KK)003/147 dated 24 Dec 2024 concerning allegations against Wathana Changlao, candidate for Khon Kaen PAO governor and respondent number 1, and Somsak Thongchanhad, respondent number 2. They were accused of violating Section 65(1) of the 2019 Local Council or Local Executive Election Act. The Central Election Commission decided to dismiss the petition against Wathana Changlao and to file a petition with the Fourth Regional Appeals Court to order a new PAO governor election, while pursuing criminal charges against the second respondent. The petition will be submitted within 30 days. Once the court accepts the case as requested by the Election Commission, the PAO governor and executive team must immediately cease duties.
"Although the Central Election Commission dismissed the petition against Wathana, indicating he is not guilty of the allegations, the misconduct of the second respondent may have compromised the legitimacy of the PAO governor election, potentially benefiting or having a vested interest in the election. Therefore, the commission requested the court to review and act on the petition submitted. Once the court accepts the case, Wathana and the PAO executive team must immediately suspend their duties, with the Khon Kaen PAO secretary acting until the case concludes. The outcome depends on the court’s evaluation of all evidence compiled by the Election Commission."
Watchara added that the full ruling from the Central Election Commission, which dismisses the petition against Wathana and proceeds with criminal action against Somsak, will be sent to the petitioner, respondents, and publicly released in full within 60 days. Currently, the case is in the stage of preparing the filing details for the court within the established timeframe. The commission trusts that all parties will respect the court’s final decision.