Kao Mai sued for election offenses

PHUKET TOWN: Ten of the 15 members of the Pattana Tongtin Party, which lost its domination of the Provincial Administrative Organization (OrBorJor) in elections on February 5, have filed charges against all 15 members of the winning Kao Mai Party. Somchai Meebangyang, the lawyer for Pattana Tongtin, said that the Kao Mai members had violated election laws in four ways: – They donated a motorcycle and other valuables to be given out as lucky draw prizes for those who came to vote in Muang District. – They handed out fliers promoting the lucky draw with the words, in red, “Number 20-34 the Whole Team” (the election numbers of the 15 Kao Mai candidates). – They invited people from the eight tambon in Muang District (Kao Mai contested seats only in Muang District) to join the “First Kao Mai Football Cup” and awarded a prize for the winning team. – Some members of Kao Mai gave money to people in Tambon Taladyai on the day of the election. Dr Prasit Koysiripong, the leader of the Kao Mai Party and, since the election, the President of the OrBorJor, said, “I’m confused how this has come about. We tried every way that we could to follow the laws and the regulations. “For me, this was one of the best elections that Phuket has ever had. There was no bad-mouthing going on between parties. “Nevertheless, if they accuse us, we then have to prove [our innocence] in court.” Pattana Tongtin lawyer Somchai said the first hearing in the case will be held on April 10. The 10 members of Pattana Tongtin who have filed the case are Thanate Tantipiriyakij, Pakin Ruktaengam, Niran Kongtantikul, Niwat Aroonrat, Benjapan Tongtan, Wiroj Engchuan, Prasit Nadon, Sutep Orwattana, Chaiwichit Dechwakanee and Banlur Tantiwit, the party’s leader and former president of the OrBorJor.