The Election Commission (EC) is considering taking action against "political party leaders" who nominated individuals lacking qualifications as MP candidates, resulting in disqualifications ordered by the Supreme Court. The EC warns that photographing one's ID card alongside a marked ballot may lead to allegations of involvement in election fraud.
At 10:30 a.m. on 8 Feb 2026 at the Election Commission office (EC) Mr. Saweang Bunmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC) commented on the case in which the Supreme Court ordered the removal of certain candidates for the House of Representatives (MP) election and whether the candidates and party leaders who certified their nominations should face penalties. He said this must be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the facts. If it is a personal offense of the candidate, some have been sentenced. Sometimes the party leader may not be aware. The law requires certification only of the candidate themselves, who must know they are ineligible. Whether the party leader should also be held responsible depends on whether it caused the election to be unfair or dishonest; thus, the facts must be examined.
Regarding whether legal action would affect the political party if it won the election, Mr. Saweang said this cannot be predicted, but if the law states it is an offense, then it must be treated as such. When asked what happens if the party leader is also at fault, he replied that the facts must be reviewed and that it is too early to say.
Meanwhile, the EC legal department further explained the case of photographing an ID card alongside a folded, marked ballot prepared to be dropped into the ballot box, which was shared on social media. They said the law does not directly forbid photography inside polling stations, but Section 97 of the Organic Act on the Election of MPs B.E. 2561 (2018) prohibits voters from using any devices to photograph their marked ballots. This provision aims to prevent fraud, as sometimes such photos are used to claim vote-buying payments after voting. This differs from media coverage photographing prominent individuals voting. Therefore, the public should avoid photographing ballots inside polling stations for sharing, as it may lead to complaints and legal disputes.