Apirak accused of electoral offence

Bangkok City Clerk Pongsak Semsan instructed his deputy, Rattapol Meethanataworn, to remove election posters of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration that carried the name of Apirak, following a complaint with the Election Commission and Bangkok Election by Chuwit Kamolwisit, an independent gubernatorial candidate.

Ponsak also requested an explanation from the BMA's Office of Public Relations and Office of Traffic and Transport, which were responsible for the election posters that were stuck on garbage bins and bus stops across the capital. Both offices were required to remove them when Apirak's term ended.

The EC could take recourse to Article 60 of the election law against BMA officials involved for abuse of authority by carrying out activities in favour or in bias against any candidate, which is punishable with imprisonment for up to 10 years.

The EC is also investigating if Apirak committed an electoral offence by putting pictures of BMA officials in his election campaign posters without consent. If the pictures were from the BMA's Office of Public Relations, Apirak could face legal action for using state assets in his election campaign.

These two offences, if confirmed, would result in a yellow card for Apirak if he wins the poll. Apirak may have to pay Bt158 million to the state for re-holding the election, a source said.

Meanwhile Democrat Party spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon expressed concern that its candidate Apirak could face the antipathy of his electoral rivals in the run-up to the election after many polls showed that he is the overwhelming favourite to win the election. Ongart said his rivals may ask their supporters to back Apirak's arch-rival as had happened in some national elections.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said other gubernatorial candidates had resorted to mudslinging campaign against Apirak and he expected the dirty tactic would intensify during the last week to the election day. He urged municipal councillors and the district councillor under the banner of the Democrat Party to work hard to help Apirak win the election.