Suchart sent a letter to the Election Commission expressing willingness to have votes recounted in Chonburi's Constituency 1 for transparency. He disregarded Ice's call for him to resign and questioned whether protesters were actually from Chonburi's constituency. Feeling slighted by the media, he appealed for fairness. He denied using any family influence, noting that nowadays there are plenty of CCTV cameras everywhere.
On 11 Feb 2026 GMT+7 at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, candidate for Member of Parliament in Chonburi Constituency 1, held a press conference. He announced having sent a letter to the Election Commission chairman expressing his stance regarding recent election news and vote counting from 8 Feb, amid confusing and suspicious claims about the election process. He acknowledged these reports may cause concern and confusion among voters in the eight subdistricts of Mueang District, Chonburi, potentially undermining confidence in the democratic process. To ensure transparency and fairness for all, as the highest vote recipient in the area, he clearly stated his willingness to fully cooperate with legal election procedures, ensuring scrutiny proceeds transparently and without doubt, to reassure all citizens following the matter.
"I am happy and willing to have a vote recount under election law. I trust the justice process and am ready for the Election Commission and related agencies to act as they deem fit, for the benefit of the people, democracy, and the residents of these eight subdistricts in Chonburi's Constituency 1. I thank all the voters in these eight subdistricts for entrusting me to serve them," Suchart said.
He ignored Ice's call for him to resign and questioned whether the protesters were actually from Chonburi's constituency.
When asked if he expected the recount to yield the same results, Suchart said he trusts the election organizers. "We all have one vote and just cast one ballot like everyone else. The media already took pictures of me casting my vote." Regarding Ms. Ratchanok Srinok, a prospective party-list MP for the People's Party, who said anyone whose votes change after recount should resign, Suchart declined to comment on others. He emphasized that only voters residing in the relevant eight subdistricts of Constituency 1 have the right to protest. He questioned whether those making claims have voting rights there and in what capacity, noting that if he disagrees, he cannot bring outsiders who lack voting rights in the area. Only candidates and residents in that constituency can object.
"Those accusing and stirring unrest—are they residents of that area? The media has seen they are mostly from other districts and provinces. Why would outsiders get involved?" Suchart said.
When asked if he thought there was someone behind the scenes, Suchart said no. He views it as the Election Commission's duty. He is simply offering peace of mind by asking the commission to follow the law and is willing to have votes recounted, with media allowed to observe and use cameras to monitor the process.
Asked if the recount would settle the matter, Suchart said to ask those making claims; he is not involved. As the top vote-getter candidate, he is a stakeholder, but the real stakeholders are the voters in the eight subdistricts, not outsiders. If media members are voters there, they can object; if not, they have no standing. He stressed that in modern Thailand, unlike in the past, ethical media conduct is vital. He criticized some outlets for biased reporting, such as misleading coverage of power outages in Chonburi when the issue was in Nonthaburi province, which is politically orange. He condemned misleading headlines about ballot boxes stored in a warehouse that previously caught fire, urging media to be neutral and ethical. He does not want conflict with the media.
"Today I just feel hurt. I've never refused any media calls; I always answer and attend interviews when invited, including at Government House. So why does the media not treat me fairly? Whether some outlets are biased, that's their choice, but they shouldn't slander or headline stories unfairly. They should understand the law—the Election Commission has its own legal framework," he said.
"I'm speaking not emotionally but as a Thai citizen wanting national unity and democratic principles. Everyone must uphold ethics. As a politician, I undergo ethical scrutiny. This morning, I saw many pages spreading false information. I don't understand why. I haven't said much; we are simply gathering data on who is involved in this game," he added.
He advised the orange faction, which won five seats, to do their homework and not just wait for trends.
Asked about public pressure on the Election Commission, Suchart said the commission must clarify, as everyone has one vote. He admitted defeat in the 2023 election and said they must work hard to improve and understand why voters rejected them. His team won five seats; the orange side also got five. Both sides need to analyze why they lost and do better next time. Increased social and political work is needed to gain public acceptance. "Don't just wait for trends, because trends are unpredictable. We must rely on ourselves," he said.
"This campaign was very tough. I went out every morning and late into the night, visiting every home to ask for votes. I didn't just stay home expecting votes to come to me. I went out to meet and connect with people," he said.
Suchart also addressed the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) case, questioning why no letter was sent to the NACC. As a minister, he has undergone scrutiny by 16 agencies. When allegations arise, they claim politicians are suing him. He suggested asking the NACC whether they have filed charges against those involved and specifically against him, noting that if charges had been filed against him, he could not serve as minister.
"If people can't grasp such simple logic, how can they be journalists? Those writing and posting are local media. If a person is not pure or honest, how can they pass checks by 15-16 agencies? This is not easy. I ask all media to uphold ethics; this is most important," he said.
He appealed to the Chonburi media, saying winning there is difficult and they should not drag him into the controversy alone.
Suchart added in an interview that Chonburi is a strategic political area in Thailand, and victory depends on voters. He acknowledged that winning in Mueang District is very difficult. When asked how he felt after speaking out, he said he wanted to speak earlier but sought advice from close people about how his statements would be received. "As a man, I have to speak frankly. My comments about the media are not directed at any specific channel," he said.
"I just ask for fairness. I don’t reject any channel, but sometimes they need to care about their audience. They keep dragging me into this loop, but it’s not my issue—it’s the Election Commission’s to explain," he added.
He reaffirmed that he did not use any family influence, stating that the world has advanced.
Asked whether this would affect government formation, Suchart said we should look back at Bangkok's 33 constituencies and ask if losers there also need recounts. He questioned how democracy can function if losing candidates always call for recounts.
When asked about rumors that he used family influence, Suchart denied it, saying, "The world has come too far. CCTV cameras cover every route nowadays. Who can get away with anything? There are so many cameras now; we must move beyond these issues." When asked if he used influence for the votes he received this time, he said he has one vote like everyone else. Polling station officials are civil servants and teachers; taking photos of them is harassment. Everything must accept the final results.
Suchart reiterated he would not comment on Ms. Rakchanok, saying he is already looking beyond such issues and does not consider it political harassment. "It's normal, but we must clarify facts. If everyone is sincere, I want the media to ignore these people and not get stuck on them. They need to ask if those objecting can even vote in this constituency. I’ve said the objectors must be candidates who have voting rights there; others should leave it to the Election Commission," he said.
When asked about recent comparisons between voter turnout and mismatched ballots, with calls for nationwide recounts, Suchart noted that in 2023, the Move Forward Party had nearly 50,000 votes, and the Pheu Thai and United Thai Nation parties lost. Yet, no complaints arose. He questioned how far society has come to understand voting rights nowadays.
