The Election Commission ordered the removal of "Big O Kongkiat" from his candidacy for the 7th district of Nakhon Si Thammarat and is preparing to petition the Supreme Court. Kongkiat said the decision was not unexpected and complained it was a scheme after his unsuccessful party transfer negotiations.
On 22 Jan 2026 at 17:30 GMT+7, at the Election Commission office, it was reported that the Election Commission sent a letter to its Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial office stating that it had considered the candidacy eligibility for the 7th district of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Commission ordered the removal of Mr. Kongkiat Ketsombat from the Kla Tham Party’s candidate list. The provincial election director was instructed to notify relevant parties promptly according to the 2023 Election Commission regulations and to inform the disqualified candidate of his right to appeal.
Reporters noted that Mr. Kongkiat was challenged on his eligibility because he had a disqualifying characteristic: a prior conviction by the Surat Thani Provincial Court dated 16 Dec 1999, sentencing him to one year in prison and a 3,000 baht fine for stealing four trees. The prison sentence was suspended for two years. The provincial election director is currently preparing to file a petition with the Supreme Court to have Mr. Kongkiat’s name removed from the candidate list.
Mr. Kongkiat posted a video explanation on his personal Facebook page “Big O S.J. Kongkiat Ketsombat,” stating that the case was not unexpected by himself or Kla Tham Party senior members. He viewed the process as a maneuver following failed party transfer negotiations and an attempt to disqualify his candidacy in this election round. He said party leaders, legal advisors, and lawyers have prepared evidence and information. If his candidacy is withdrawn, he has the right to appeal to the Supreme Court’s election division within three days from the Commission’s resolution, and the court will expedite consideration.