Prasert has filed a counter-defamation lawsuit against Supachai regarding the MOU between the Digital Economy Ministry and a Singapore company, alleging malicious intent to damage him and the Pheu Thai Party's reputation. The court has accepted the case.
At 10:30 a.m. on 23 January 2026 at the Pheu Thai Party office, Prasert Chantraruangthong, Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, stated that those in power are attempting to politicize various issues to undermine their opponents, particularly concerning the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) and a Singapore company. He filed a defamation lawsuit and a violation under Section 75(5) of the Parliamentary Election Act against Supachai Jaisamut, legal representative of the Bhumjaithai Party, at the Criminal Court on 21 January. The court has accepted the complaint. Prasert accused Supachai of distorting facts and making false allegations claiming he violated the law by signing the MOU, spreading false information on the Bhumjaithai Party's page with intent to harm Prasert and Pheu Thai. He emphasized that as a legal expert, Supachai should know that making false accusations during the election announcement period is defamatory. The court scheduled the verdict for 23 March. Regarding a letter from the DE Ministry requesting an explanation about the MOU signing, Prasert viewed it as a political discredit attempt, noting that the committee mostly consists of political appointees. He was summoned on 21 January to clarify on 22 January, allowing only one day to prepare documents, questioning the legality of the procedure.
Pheu Thai warns of consequences for civil servants acting without neutrality.
Meanwhile, Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai and party list MP candidate, spoke about the use of civil service mechanisms to assist political parties during the election. He noted reports, both official and unofficial, of civil servants being used to benefit certain parties. For example, in an Isan province, some district chiefs, deputy ministers, or ministers have called civil servants, village heads, and community leaders to meetings, instructing them to distribute party shirts, showing disregard for election laws. He condemned this as severely undermining democracy and urged civil servants to remain neutral and transparent. While some may accept bribes or fear influence, he urged them to protect election fairness and not worry about transient political power. He warned that a few corrupt individuals could tarnish the reputation of the entire civil service. He pledged that if Pheu Thai returns to power, those proven to have violated laws will be held accountable as examples, emphasizing that civil servants should not be exploited politically.
Abnormal advance voting registrations revealed in 26 provinces.
Chusak Sirinil, Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai, reported on the activities of the party's Anti-Corruption Election Center. Since its opening, the center has continuously handled complaints, receiving approximately 61 reports. Many contain credible evidence, mostly involving distribution of goods and assets, and false accusations—all violations of election laws. The center has drafted petitions for the Election Commission (EC) in related provinces and already filed seven complaints, including in Pathum Thani, Satun, Suphanburi, Bueng Kan, and Bangkok, with three cases in Bangkok, mostly concerning asset distribution.
He urged the Election Commission to act swiftly. Additionally, the Pheu Thai Anti-Corruption Center analyzed advance voting registrations and found 26 provinces with abnormally high numbers compared to the 2023 election, exceeding 100% increases. For instance, in Phayao Province, registrations rose from 5,717 in 2023 to 13,034 in 2026, a 127.9% increase, signaling possible early vote-buying or cross-district vote-buying. Among these provinces are Bangkok, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Buriram, and Pathum Thani. The center will notify candidates to appoint observers to monitor advance voting on 1 February. They also called on the Election Commission to pay close attention to this issue.