The Supreme Court has ordered the removal of two more constituency MP candidates, bringing the total to 20. The Election Commission (EC) showcased its success in arresting two vote-buyers in Chiang Rai and Surat Thani, pointing out that many other areas still require monitoring. It emphasized that all matters are being addressed without neglect.
On 7 Feb 2026 at 15:00 GMT+7, Police Lieutenant Chanin Noilek, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), reported on progress in preventing and suppressing election fraud for MPs and the referendum. The EC has coordinated with the Royal Thai Police to deploy officers for daily investigations and inquiries, starting two weeks prior. Volunteers from the local administration, election inspectors, and EC officers have also been deployed to monitor candidates, campaign aides, and party vote brokers to prevent illegal activities or misconduct.
Additionally, nighttime checkpoints have been set up nationwide, staffed by local security volunteers, election inspectors, and EC officials who conduct searches for illegal items and election law violations.
The EC has also coordinated with police to crack down on influential figures, firearms, and war weapons. If these relate to election law violations, the EC works closely with provincial election directors. They have also summoned individuals with information on vote-buying to provide statements. The EC confirmed that all cases are being pursued thoroughly with no neglect.
Operational results include arresting two individuals violating election laws. In Chiang Rai, authorities found vote-buying slips listing over 100 names totaling more than 60,000 baht. In Surat Thani, over 100 voter names were linked to vote-buying. The EC will continue joint investigations with police to expand these cases.
There are still many other areas requiring ongoing monitoring.
Police Lieutenant Chanin added that besides the two aforementioned provinces, other areas such as Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Si Thammarat are under close watch. To ensure decisive action in the election's final stretch, the EC has deployed over ten additional intelligence and investigative teams to bolster efforts where violations are expected to rise. The EC is thoroughly investigating over 90 complaints received.
Regarding social media images showing candidate posters on polling station boards, including one for Mr. Phai Likh, a candidate for Kamphaeng Phet MP from the Klaotham Party, Police Lieutenant Chanin said that the poster has been removed and an investigation into those responsible is underway.
The Supreme Court has ordered the removal of two more constituency MP candidates.
Lieutenant Colonel Phaskorn Siripakchaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, revealed that the Supreme Court has now ordered the removal of 20 constituency MP candidates. The two newly removed candidates are Lieutenant Pongsapak Phurisitipol, number 3 from the Thai Kao Mai Party in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, District 5, and Mr. Natnipat Kongpatthanun, number 8 from the Thai Sang Thai Party in Chonburi Province, District 2.
He emphasized that if voters mark the ballot for any candidate who has been removed, the ballot will be considered invalid. This also applies to advance voting on 1 February; ballots marked for removed candidates will be voided.
In cases of border conflicts, fires, floods, or other emergencies, election law allows the head of the polling station committee to temporarily suspend voting at that station and report to the Election Commission for rescheduling. This applies to both MP elections and the referendum.
All 400 electoral districts have reported to the EC office that they are fully prepared for the election on 8 February. Candidate and party lists will be clearly posted at polling stations before voting begins at 08:00 GMT+7.
