Poll Watchdog Scrutinises Thaksin's Campaign Promises Amid Legal Concerns

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Thai PBS on X

 

In a developing political intrigue, the Election Commission (EC) is poised to scrutinise recent promises made by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his campaign trail in northern Thailand. Questions have arisen over whether Thaksin's pledges potentially breach election laws, particularly as he campaigns for provincial votes.

 

Amid growing scrutiny, EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong noted that the commission needs to carefully examine Thaksin's promises before determining any legal infractions. "We need to first look into the details [of his promises]. So, we can’t answer this question right now," Mr Ittiporn stated.

 

Thaksin, who remains an influential figure in the Pheu Thai Party, has recently vowed to reduce household electricity bills to 3.70 Baht per unit, from the current rate of 4.15 Baht. This bold 11% reduction promise has sparked speculation over its legality, especially since Thaksin's daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, promptly echoed this as an official government policy soon after his announcement.

 

Mr Ittiporn reaffirmed the EC's diligent monitoring of electioneering activities nationwide, assuring that speeches from Thaksin and other political figures will undergo scrutiny by designated investigative committees. These bodies are charged with probing potential election fraud, focusing on both violations of election laws and breaches of the organic law governing political parties.

Addressing concerns about political parties leveraging government policies to woo voters ahead of the February 1 provincial elections, Mr Ittiporn explained that any references to the national policies must be valid and relevant to be permissible. "The EC has a team in every province to do this job. So far there have not been any significant irregularities. But the electioneering is expected to intensify," he added.

 

Clarifying the role of MPs and cabinet ministers in supporting candidates, Mr Ittiporn stated they are permitted to participate as campaign assistants, provided they notify the EC of their intentions. This guidance aims to ensure transparency and prevent any undue influence in the local electoral process.

 

As the political landscape heats up, the EC's examination of Thaksin's campaign activities could have significant implications for the forthcoming elections. With his promises potentially shaping government policies, the intersection of campaign pledges and governance continues to blur, intriguing observers keen on the balance of political influence in Thailand, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-09

 

 

[MikeandDow]

More BS from the EC

[connda]

34 minutes ago, webfact said:

n a developing political intrigue, the Election Commission (EC) is poised to scrutinise recent promises made by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his campaign trail in northern Thailand. Questions have arisen over whether Thaksin's pledges potentially breach election laws, particularly as he campaigns for provincial votes.

So Teflon Tony is on the campaign trail now.  And here I thought that as part of his "get out of jail free" arrangement that he would not indulge in Thai politics.  Seems everyone has a short memory. 

[phetphet]

16 minutes ago, connda said:

So Teflon Tony is on the campaign trail now.  And here I thought that as part of his "get out of jail free" arrangement that he would not indulge in Thai politics.  Seems everyone has a short memory. 

His grandchildren must be missing him so much.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

In a developing political intrigue, the Election Commission (EC) is poised to scrutinise recent promises made by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his campaign trail in northern Thailand. Questions have arisen over whether Thaksin's pledges potentially breach election laws, particularly as he campaigns for provincial votes.

The master is doing what he likes, with apparent freedom to do so

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, connda said:

So Teflon Tony is on the campaign trail now.  And here I thought that as part of his "get out of jail free" arrangement that he would not indulge in Thai politics.  Seems everyone has a short memory. 

When counting money people seldom look up

[crazykopite]

How can this individual make promises when he is not in government he is overstepping his mark yes we all know he dictates policies to his daughter and that the majority of her wealth has come from him I’m beginning to think that he believes he is the most powerful individual in the whole of Thailand and that is very worrying 

[kingstonkid]

10 hours ago, connda said:

So Teflon Tony is on the campaign trail now.  And here I thought that as part of his "get out of jail free" arrangement that he would not indulge in Thai politics.  Seems everyone has a short memory. 

 

I don;t think itis a short memory as much as it is they can not guarantee that ther will have to be an election if they charge Tony and the PTP.

 

The elite have control at this point if there is an election the PP will probably win and they would form the new governemtn without the Senate to rig it.

[Thechook]

For someone who is no longer involved in politics he appears very active.