The 4th Regional Appeals Court has accepted the election case, resulting in Wathana Changlao and his administration immediately ceasing their duties as the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization chief. There is anticipation that the court may order a new election.
On 9 April 2026, reporters reported significant developments in the investigation of election fraud concerning the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization chief election. The local political situation has notably changed after the 4th Regional Appeals Court issued an order to accept the related election case, causing the PAO chief and administrative team to immediately suspend their duties by law.
According to the 4th Regional Appeals Court's announcement regarding the evidence review schedule, details were provided about election case number L.T. PAO 1/2026, a dispute between the Election Commission (petitioner) and Wathana Changlao (respondent). The issue relates to the Local Council or Local Executive Election Act. The petitioner requested the court to order a new election for the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization chief.
The court has officially accepted the petition for consideration and scheduled an evidence review on 5 May 2026 at 09:00. This announcement, dated 9 April 2026, bears the seal of the 4th Regional Appeals Court and is signed by Judge Sumit Duang Sida. The announcement has been publicly posted on the court's official website.
Regarding the legal consequences, reporters added that the 4th Regional Appeals Court's acceptance of this election fraud case concerning the Khon Kaen PAO chief compels the chief and all accused administrators to immediately suspend their duties according to local election law. This ensures a transparent investigation free from interference until the court renders a final judgment.
Looking back at the case's origin, it stemmed from a resolution by the central Election Commission, which communicated its findings to the Khon Kaen Election Commission in response to petition No. L.T.(KK)003/147 dated 24 December 2024. The complaint accused Wathana Changlao, candidate for Khon Kaen PAO chief (Respondent 1), and Somsak Thongchanhad (Respondent 2) of violating the Local Council or Local Executive Election Act B.E. 2562 (2019), Section 65(1).
At that time, the central Election Commission resolved to dismiss the petition against Wathana Changlao, indicating no direct wrongdoing by him in the allegations.
However, the central Election Commission resolved to forward the petition to the 4th Regional Appeals Court, requesting the court to order a new election for the Khon Kaen PAO chief. It also ordered criminal prosecution against Somsak Thongchanhad, Respondent 2, as his actions may have compromised the fairness of the PAO chief election, potentially causing undue advantage or conflict of interest. The Election Commission thus submitted the case for judicial determination.
Therefore, after the petition was submitted and accepted by the court following the Election Commission's request, Wathana Changlao and the Khon Kaen PAO administration must immediately suspend their duties. Meanwhile, the PAO permanent secretary will act as interim chief. The outcome of this pivotal local political case depends on the 4th Regional Appeals Court's judgment based on all evidence compiled by the Election Commission.