Sirichok denies breaking election rules

Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha has dismissed allegations about being involved in the alleged violation of electoral rules in connection with the Bangkok gubernatorial race.

"I believe the allegation is false because I have never attacked Pheu Thai candidate Pongsapat Pongcharoen," he said.

Sirichok added that a campaign photograph of him, posted on the Internet, had been doctored. He added that though he referred to the "burning down of Bangkok" in his comments, his remarks should not be construed as a frameup or moves to defame the ruling party.

Previous judicial rulings show that such comments are not in violation of the libel provisions, he said.

He also brought up the issue of Deputy Commerce Minister Nathawut Saikua helping Pongsapat in his campaign. "It is general understanding that Natthawut is seen as a redshirt leader with links to the 2010 political violence," he said.

Sirichok also said that in the 2011 general election, Natthawut had branded the Democrats as "killers of the people" and the Election Commission ruled that such branding was acceptable according to the Constitution.

Meanwhile, academic Seri Wongmontha, in his Facebook messages, has insisted on his right as a Thai citizen to publicly support Sukhumbhand.

He pointed out that he was not a member or an executive of the Democrat Party, nor had he ever been involved in the party's public relations work.