Chiang Rai police arrested a former subdistrict administrative organization (SAO) council member along with cash and a list of 124 eligible voters, alleging preparation for vote-buying to support a parliamentary candidate from a certain political party.
On 6 February 2026, it was reported that officers from Phan Police Station in Chiang Rai arrested a suspect in an election vote-buying case after receiving a tip-off about unusual activity involving the collection of names and cash to be used for vote-buying in the final stretch of the election.
Officials 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 (SAO) council member, was asked to stop for a search. Initially, officers found cash consisting of 128 bills of 500 baht, 4 bills of 100 baht, one mobile phone, and documents listing 124 eligible voters.
The suspect claimed the items were intended to be distributed to villagers to buy votes in support of a parliamentary candidate from a political party in Chiang Rai Province. Meanwhile, officers from the Chiang Rai Election Commission are conducting an investigation.
This arrest is part of a strict policy to prevent and suppress election corruption. The suspect and seized evidence will be handed over to the prosecutor to proceed under the law. Authorities will also expand the investigation if additional offenders are identified and will take legal action accordingly.
Further updates will be reported in due course.