Democrat candidate ends political career

Yesterday's ruling effectively disqualified Boonmak from the race in Ratchaburi constituency 2.

"This is the end for me; from now on I will go back to teaching," Boonmak said in reference to his position as a university lecturer before entering politics.

He said he was grateful to his constituents and the Democrat Party for their continuing support throughout the lengthy litigation.

Four years ago, the Election Commission red carded him after a sting operation to link him to vote buying. Two electoral officials testified as eye witnesses to a transaction that two constituents received Bt1,000 in cash from him.

The defence contended that the charges were a frameup. The lower court and the appellate review ruled in favour of the defence 2004 and 2005 respectively.

The Supreme Court overturned the previous two decisions on grounds of prosecution evidence linking Boonmak to the cash.

In addition to the voting ban, Boonmak was given a twoyear suspended jail term and fined Bt20,000.