Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun had formally notified the relevant authorities of the reason she did not vote in the local elections, in accordance with procedures set by the Election Commission (EC), government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said yesterday.
Voting in Thailand is compulsory, but viral reports have claimed that Suphajee failed to vote in previous local elections and is therefore ineligible to hold political office.
“I would like to confirm that Ms Suphajee fully meets the qualifications to hold political office and has not lost her eligibility, as has been alleged,” he said.
He explained that Suphajee correctly completed all required procedures and that there is no reason she cannot continue to hold political office.
The EC allows voters who are unable to vote to submit a notice explaining their reasons either before the election or within seven days afterward, by completing the required form or submitting a written explanation.
Such notices may be filed in person, through an authorised representative, by registered mail, or online via the EC website.
He urged the public not to create confusion or mislead others as the election approaches, and instead to focus on Suphajee’s commitment to serving the country and the results she has delivered.
