The Election Commission has ordered strict oversight concerning 10 politicians involved with gambling websites, stating that imprisonment on election day leads to immediate disqualification. It also instructed authorities to monitor illicit funds used to buy votes.
On 9 January 2026, Mr. Saweang Bunmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, commented on information revealed by Deputy Minister of Justice Pol. Lt. Col. Ruthaphon Naowarat about 10 MPs and politicians linked to online gambling networks and scam gangs. He said that arrest alone does not cause immediate disqualification. The key condition is that if they are released before 8 February, they remain eligible to run and vote as usual. However, if they are imprisoned on 8 February, they will be prohibited from voting or candidacy under the constitution and be immediately disqualified.
Regarding resignation from parties, the Secretary-General said that if a candidate decides to leave their party while under prosecution, they will also be disqualified. To prevent confusion, the Election Commission has instructed polling station officials to prepare notices about disqualified candidates in districts where they are running, so the public is informed in advance. If voters still cast ballots for disqualified candidates, those ballots will be considered invalid.
On concerns about using money from gambling websites or scammers in elections, the Secretary-General confirmed that illegally sourced funds violate other laws. If such money is used to buy votes or spent beyond legal limits, the Election Commission will thoroughly investigate and strictly punish violations under election law without exception.