PNet expects rampant vote buying

"Residents have tipped off about rampant vote buying in the Northeast and the government should intervene as local authorities appear reluctant to take action," PNet executive Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said.

Somchai said he expected canvassers to spread the cash around on Saturday's night, just hours before the balloting.

The petition was submitted to Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyaratglin who is in charge of fighting money politics.

In related development, Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said authorities were investigating several cases of votebuying in several areas of the country.

"In each of the cases, varying amount of funds were seized as evidence ranging from Bt1 million to Bt100," he said.

The probes on votebuying would complete after the balloting and the voting results of many candidates might be disqualified, he said.

Based on evidence uncovered, there might be about 10 red cards, meaning the cancellation of the votes as well as the removal of candidates involved from the revote, he said.

EC member Prapun Naigowit said a vote canvasser in Maha Sarakham was detained on Thursday after authorities found Bt160,000 in cash linked to vote buying.

He urged candidates to strictly abide by the campaigning rules so as to avoid the legal wrangling. He also voiced concern that rampant vote buying might complicate the convening of the new House because of myriad litigations on campaign violations.

The Nation