The Election Commission (EC) by majority vote determined that Yongyut Piriyasatit, candidate number 1 for Koh Phangan mayor, is suspected of giving money to induce voters. The EC plans to file an appeal with the Court of Appeal to revoke his candidacy rights, require him to bear the cost of a new election, and file a criminal complaint.
On 22 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the Election Commission Office revealed today's EC meeting resolution regarding Yongyut Piriyasatit, candidate number 1 for Koh Phangan mayor, who was accused of giving 500 baht to a person not eligible to vote for Koh Phangan mayor, along with saying, “Please support number 1, and tell your relatives and friends to vote number 1.”
After reviewing the facts, the EC found that although the recipient of the money was not eligible to vote in the area, this action still violates Section 65 (1) of the 2019 Local Council or Local Executive Election Act, as amended in 2026 (3rd amendment). This provision prohibits using assets to induce voters and does not limit the recipient to eligible voters only.
The EC explained that the term “any person” in Section 65 (1) means anyone, whether eligible to vote or not. The phrase “induce voters” is not limited to cases where the inducement targets voters directly but also covers cases where the person giving the benefit foresees that it may be distributed further to induce other eligible voters to vote for them.
Therefore, even if the person receiving the 500 baht is not eligible to vote for Koh Phangan mayor, if the act of giving money is such that the giver could foresee the money or benefit being used to induce voters, the EC views this as a violation of Section 65 (1).
The EC meeting thus passed a majority resolution to proceed with three measures:
1. File a petition with the Court of Appeal or Regional Court of Appeal to request revocation of Yongyut’s candidacy rights or voting rights and to order a new mayoral election for Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, under Section 108, paragraph two of the local election law.
2. Hold Yongyut responsible for the costs of the new election if the court issues such an order, making him liable for expenses related to the election that caused the court's decision, pursuant to Section 109, paragraph one.
3. Recommend filing a criminal complaint against Yongyut with the police under Section 65 (1) in conjunction with Section 126 of the 2019 Local Council or Local Executive Election Act, as amended in 2026 (3rd amendment).
This resolution outlines the EC's procedural steps. The revocation of rights and ordering of a new election must follow the court’s processes and rulings as prescribed by law.