'Cut spending limit'

Srisuwan Chanya, secretary-general of the Thai Constitution Protection Association, yesterday demanded that the Election Commission cut the amount of money spent on campaigns from Bt49 million to Bt16 million.

He said the high limit favoured wealthy candidates who are backed by political parties, and put less-wealthy candidates at a disadvantage, which violates Article 236 of the Constitution. He said other cities usually set the limit at no more than Bt17 million.

Srisuwan added that setting such a high limit did not make sense because a Bangkok governor earns Bt5.28 million over a four-year term and spending so much would only make whoever wins corrupt. He added that he would take the matter to the Administrative Court if it is ignored.