Prayut’s unveiling as PM candidate on Monday ‘may break law’
A former election commissioner has urged the Election Commission (EC) to investigate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s unveiling as Ruam Thai Sang Chart (RTSC) party’s PM candidate on Monday, warning it could break the law.
Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who served on the EC from 2013 to 2018, said that election law bans government officials from campaigning during office hours for 180 days before an election. The ban covers the use of government property such as cars and fuel.
Prayut’s unveiling event is due to be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in downtown Bangkok from 5pm on Monday.
Somchai said that if Prayut leaves his office at Government House before 4.30pm and travels in his PM’s car using government staff to whisk him through traffic, he could be breaking the law by abusing his authority to gain advantage in the upcoming election.
He added that the unveiling event may also break election law by serving food and drinks to attendees who are not party members or staffers. Such action would be considered as providing services or gifts to persuade attendees to vote for a candidate or a party. Earlier, the RTSC announced that several MPs from other parties who plan to switch to the RTSC will attend the event to support Prayut.
Somchai urged the EC to keep a close eye on Monday’s event and launch an investigation if it suspects the law was broken.
The RTSC has insisted that Prayut will campaign only during his free time and at weekends.
