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Published on December 14, 2007

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. He was a university lecturer before entering politics.

Boonmak said he was grateful to his constituents and the Democrat Party for their 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 the charges were a frame-up. The lower court and the appellate review ruled in favour of the defence in 2004 and 2005. But the Supreme Court overturned both decisions after reviewing prosecution evidence linking Boonmak to the cash.

In addition to the ban, Boonmak was given a two-year suspended jail term and fined Bt20,000.

The Nation