Democrat councilors exposed proxy voting during a Bangkok Metropolitan Council session, submitting a request for investigation and affirming the acts violate criminal and ethical laws, vowing to pursue legal action to establish transparency standards.
On 31 July 2026 at the Airawat Phatthana building in Din Daeng, Mr. Napapol Jeerakul, a Bangkok Noi district councilor from the Democrat Party, led a team of councilors from the Democrat Party and other parties in a press conference revealing that councilors from the Prachachon party had engaged in proxy voting.
Mr. Napapol said the incident was unexpected. Although only 41 members were present in the meeting room, voting cards were left inserted and members voted on behalf of others. This conduct breaches both criminal law and ethical norms, consistent with the rulings of the House of Representatives. They therefore held the press conference to demand transparency and planned to submit a request to the Bangkok council president to investigate and monitor progress.
"Proxy voting is already a criminal and ethical offense. Since the Bangkok council recently amended regulations to emphasize transparency and live broadcasting, this transparency must be genuine. As councilors, we will not remain passive and will pursue legal proceedings to uphold the dignity of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council," Mr. Napapol stated.
However, during the Bangkok council meeting, it was proposed to continue sessions since there are many other agenda items concerning public hardships awaiting consideration. Meanwhile, the alleged misconduct will be handled through the legal fact-finding process.