UDD co-leaders and associates allowed to run the by-election campaign on behalf of Korkaew

BANGKOK, 30 June 2010 (NNT) – The Department of Corrections does not allow the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) co-leader Korkaew Pikulthong to run the by-election campaign as candidate of the Pheu Thai Party.

Election Commission (EC) member , Prapan Naikovit, disclosed on Wednesday that Mr Korkaew was not allowed to leave the prison to run an election campaign, so as his assistants. However, other UDD leaders and Pheu Thai executives can campaign on his behalf.

The EC will consider issuing warnings or depriving the contestant’s rights if their speech is intentionally made to discredit others.

In addition, Mr Prapan calls on relevant units to help maintain peace and ensure transparency in the election process. He confirmed that the by-election will proceed peacefully without violating the Emergency Decree.

There have been no reports of disorder to the EC so far. Pheu Thai Party, however, can submit claims over the collusion between Democrat Party and the New Politics Party.

Meanwhile, Chairman of EC Bangkok Pratuang Chomngarm vowed on behalf of the EC to closely monitor Pheu Thai party’s electoral speech whether it goes against the election law, following their plan to bring up the issues of the recent anti-government rally.