Candidate applications for TAO elections open

Applications open today for those wishing to stand as candidates in tambon administrative organisation (TAO) elections on Nov 28, says the Election Commission (EC).

Candidates can file applications from today until Friday at their TAOs. So far, there have been no problems with preparing venues for receiving the applications, said EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma.

Applicants are required to adhere to public health rules in submitting their applications.

He said those applying to enter the TAO race must check to see if they are qualified to run.

He said candidates which apply while knowing they may have trouble meeting the required qualifications are violating the local administrative organisation election law.

A violator is liable for a prison term of between 1-10 years, a fine of between 20,000-200,000 baht or both. They will also be stripped of their voting rights for 20 years.

Meanwhile, Kowit Phuangngam, a list MP of the Thai Local Power Party, asked the EC not to exclude those who have contracted Covid-19 from voting.

He was responding to media reports of an EC order barring Covid19 patients from voting. The MP said special arrangements should be made by designating special polling stations or allowing patients to cast their vote online.