Chiang Rai police have arrested a former Subdistrict Administrative Organization councilor along with cash and a list of 124 eligible voters, alleging he was preparing to buy votes to support a member of parliament candidate from a political party.
On 6 Feb 2026 GMT+7, police officers from Phan Police Station in Chiang Rai reported arresting a suspect in a vote-buying case after receiving a tip-off about unusual activity involving the collection of names and cash intended for vote-buying during the final phase of the election.
Authorities later spotted a white Mazda sedan with Bangkok license plates leaving a house in San Klang Subdistrict, Phan District. The driver, a man and former Subdistrict Administrative Organization councilor, was stopped for a search. Officers found cash including 128 bills of 500-baht notes, 4 bills of 100-baht notes, one mobile phone, and documents listing 124 eligible voters.
The suspect initially claimed the money and documents were meant to be distributed to villagers to buy votes in support of a parliamentary candidate from a political party in Chiang Rai. Meanwhile, officials from the Chiang Rai Election Commission are conducting further investigations.
This arrest is part of a strict policy to prevent and suppress election fraud. The suspect and evidence will be handed over to the prosecutor for legal action, and authorities will continue to investigate to identify and prosecute any additional offenders.
Further updates will be provided in due course.