Bueng Kan Voters Re-elect After MP’s Disqualification
A political shake-up in Thailand’s Bueng Kan province will send voters back to the polls following the Supreme Court’s disqualification of Bhumjaithai Party MP Suwanna Kumphiro and the subsequent order for a by-election in Constituency 2. The court’s February 18, 2025, decision bars Mr. Kumphiro from participating in elections for ten years and mandates him to pay approximately 10 million baht (roughly US$280,000) to reimburse the cost of the May 14, 2023, election, now declared void.
The disqualification stems from a merit-making ceremony. The Election Commission (EC) presented compelling evidence that Mr. Kumphiro, nicknamed «Mr. Mum,» violated election laws by orchestrating an entertainment event intended to influence voters. This occurred on April 16, 2023, in Ban Nong Thum, Seka district. A pickup truck equipped with a sound system and loudspeakers provided musical entertainment. Crucially, the EC’s investigation revealed that campaign jingles repeating the phrase, «Mr. Mum Number 10,» were interspersed within the music. Furthermore, the truck’s operator publicly thanked Mr. Kumphiro for his support.
The EC also discovered the truck was owned by Mr. Kumphiro’s former wife, who also served as his campaign assistant. This connection, coupled with the operator’s remarks, led the EC to conclude that Mr. Kumphiro provided the entertainment free of charge, a prohibited incentive to potential voters. Thai electoral law strictly prohibits candidates from staging entertainment events designed to influence voters.
This is the second disqualification of a Bhumjaithai Party MP recently. Mookdawan Luangsinil, representing Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Constituency 8, was previously removed from her seat. This raises concerns about the party’s candidate vetting process and adherence to campaign regulations.
The upcoming by-election in Bueng Kan’s Constituency 2 offers voters a fresh opportunity to express their preferences. The by-election must be held within 45 days of the court’s ruling, creating a sense of urgency. Given the vacancy and the potential for a shift in the local political balance, the by-election is expected to be fiercely contested.
This case underscores the importance of adhering to campaign finance and conduct regulations and highlights the potential consequences for those who attempt to circumvent the law. The repercussions for Mr. Kumphiro are severe, impacting his political career and resulting in a substantial financial penalty. The by-election will serve as a key indicator of public opinion and could significantly reshape the political landscape in Bueng Kan.
