The Election Commission is reportedly withdrawing the candidacy of "Kongkiat," a candidate for Member of Parliament in Nakhon Si Thammarat's 7th district from the Klaatham Party, due to a prior conviction related to theft and fraud. However, he retains the right to appeal the decision for reconsideration.
On 21 January 2026, reports indicated that following widespread public criticism regarding a judgment by the Surat Thani Provincial Court dated 16 December 1999, it was confirmed that Mr. Kongkiat Ketsombat, also known as “Big O,” candidate number 3 for MP in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s 7th district under the Klaatham Party, had a prior conviction for theft. Observers have noted this may disqualify him from candidacy under the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017) and the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives B.E. 2561 (2018).
Key evidence includes a copy of the Surat Thani Provincial Court judgment in case number Black 3747/2542 and Red 3673/2542 involving the Public Prosecutor of Surat Thani Province (plaintiff) and Mr. Kongkiat Ketsombat (defendant). The case reached finality with the court ruling that the defendant was guilty of fraud-related property offenses.
Most recently, on 20 January, the Nakhon Si Thammarat Election Commission convened and resolved to disqualify and withdraw Mr. Kongkiat's candidacy for MP in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s 7th district. Nevertheless, the disqualified candidate retains the right to appeal the Election Commission’s ruling to the Supreme Court, which will review whether the Commission’s exercise of authority was lawful. The Supreme Court’s decision is final.
Previously, Mr. Kongkiat explained on his Facebook page “Big O MP Kongkiat Ketsombat” that “I compete fairly according to the rules. Please do not spread slander, friends and brothers. The Election Commission has already certified my qualifications once. The case involved three defendants; I am defendant number 1. The court convicted defendant number 2, who is not me. The Election Commission has previously certified my status as an MP.”