Somkid Cheukong believes the Ubon Ratchathani MP election will be intense, hoping the people of Ubon will teach a lesson to the financiers. He is concerned about the misuse of money to buy ID cards for early voting registration and urges the Election Commission (EC) to monitor organized voter transport.
On 2 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Somkid Cheukong, a Pheu Thai party list candidate and former Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, said the overall 2026 election would likely be similar to the 2023 election. He criticized the 2017 constitution for causing problems in the country and weakening political parties. Politics is stuck, neither advancing nor retreating, and national development stalls because post-election governments remain coalitions of multiple parties. The constitution undermines political parties, shrinking their influence and hindering national growth.
Somkid added the major issue this election is the use of tactics and resources, as many areas have already collected ID cards to prepare for early voting. He urged the Election Commission (EC) to watch for suspicious early voting activities, noting widespread misuse of tactics. In several areas, many people registered for early voting citing unavailability on election day despite living locally. This is managed by some political parties using money to buy ID cards for early voting registration, then transporting voters to the polls. In Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen provinces, suspicious movements are evident, with some parties preparing to transport voters for early voting—clear signs of pre-election vote buying. The EC should gather evidence and not allow corrupt parties to break election laws unchecked.
"Additionally, in Ubon Ratchathani province, competition is very intense across almost all districts, especially districts 7, 9, and 10, where politicians compete with local financiers. Pheu Thai candidates across Ubon are ready to meet people and present policies to show their genuine commitment and seek public support. The previous election made the whole country aware of what happened in district 10 and how votes were obtained. We hope this time the people will teach a lesson to the financiers, deciding their own future rather than accepting money from those who do not sincerely intend to serve the public."