EC approves Thani as Surat MP

The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday approved the election of Democrat candidate Thani Thaugsuban, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep's brother, as the constituency 1 MP for Surat Thani province.

The EC received no complaints about the by-election in constituency 1 of Surat Thani on Aug 30, EC secretary-general Suthipol Taweechaikarn said.

The by-election was held in the southern province following Mr Suthep's resignation as an MP. The EC found he had violated the constitution by owning shares in True Corporation, a private media and telecom firm with a state concession.

Mr Thani received 122,032 votes and opposition Puea Thai candidate Sompol Vichaidit 24,624 votes. Mr Sompol is Puea Thai leader Yongyuth's younger brother.

The EC will consider the controversial shareholdings of 44 MPs on Wednesday but a ruling may not be issued as commissioner Prapun Naigowit was on a sick leave this Monday and Tuesday, Mr Suthipol said.