Two Seriruamthai party candidates protested at the Election Commission against "Tepipob" from the People's Party standing as a replacement for "Boonrit," arguing that changing candidates violates election law and stating that if a candidate is to register, a new candidate number should be drawn.
On 31 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Anantadej Thanwipharat, candidate number 12 for constituency 33, and Mr. Thitiphat Norawittayachotikul, candidate number 4 for constituency 32 from Seriruamthai party, went to the Election Commission Office on Chaeng Watthana Road to submit a complaint opposing and requesting the withdrawal of the People's Party's new candidate registration in constituency 33.
Mr. Anantadej revealed that their purpose in submitting the letter today was to request the Election Commission to consider revoking the registration of the People's Party's new candidate because the original candidate had already been registered and assigned a candidate number. He referenced the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives B.E. 2561 (2018), which states that political parties or candidates may only withdraw or change candidates in cases of death, disqualification, or prohibited characteristics as defined by law.
Mr. Anantadej stated that the original candidate's withdrawal does not meet the legal conditions because, although there is an arrest warrant, legally the candidate is presumed innocent until the court delivers a final verdict. Therefore, at the time of registration and receiving the candidate number, the original candidate met all legal qualifications. Any resignation afterward is a personal decision and not a legal reason for changing candidates.
Although the Election Commission explained that a new candidate registration is possible, Mr. Anantadej believes the Commission should reconsider carefully because such candidate changes may set a new precedent for other political parties in the future, potentially causing confusion and disorder among the public. He emphasized that this objection is not about political advantage or disadvantage since there are many candidates from other parties in the constituency but is about upholding correct election rules and standards.
Mr. Thitiphat added that the original candidate, Mr. Boonrit Wrarungrot, has not been convicted of any offense, as the court has yet to issue a verdict. However, the candidate was replaced by Mr. Tepipob Limjitrakorn, who used the same candidate number. He viewed this as inappropriate and possibly a political maneuver to boost the People's Party's popularity. He also suggested that nominating a former MP as a replacement might be an attempt to win voter support.
Mr. Thitiphat further stated that the new candidate's use of the same number creates unfairness toward other candidates. If the candidate is new, a new number should be drawn to avoid advantage. He emphasized that constituencies 32 and 33 are interconnected in their work, so this issue directly affects the local people.
The Seriruamthai candidates for constituencies 32 and 33 submitted a letter to the Election Commission opposing the registration of Mr. Tepipob Limjitrakorn as the candidate for constituency 33 in Bangkok from the People's Party. They cited section 46 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives, which clearly states that candidates or political parties may withdraw or change candidates only in cases of death, disqualification, or prohibited characteristics, and such changes must occur before the close of candidate registration.
Upon review, it was found that Mr. Boonrit Wrarungrot, the original candidate, had undergone qualification checks and party endorsement, and was properly assigned a candidate number. No evidence indicates he lacks qualifications or has prohibited characteristics as defined by law. Therefore, candidate replacement is not permissible, making the new candidate registration inconsistent with election law provisions.