Six poll winners face fraud complaints

Six of the seven winners in the June 30 by-election have been invited by the Election Commission to defend themselves against fraud complaints tomorrow.

The winners, who have yet to have their victories endorsed, were Maj-Gen Sornchai Montrivat, New Aspiration candidate for Kanchanaburi's constituency 5, Pongsakorn Annopporn, Thai Rak Thai candidate for Khon Kaen's constituency 10, Sakchai Jintavej, Chart Thai candidate for Ubon Ratchathani's constituency 10, Wuthichai Kittithanesuan, Chart Thai candidate for Nakhon Nayok's constituency 2, Pirapong Hengsawat, Thai Rak Thai candidate for Buri Ram's constituency 5, and Nathamon Somboontherdthana, Chart Thai candidate for Surin's constituency 4.

Krieng Kalpinant, Thai Rak Thai's winning candidate in Ubon Ratchathani's constituency 1, was not required to testify as there were no petitions against him.

Mr Pongsakorn said he had 75 witnesses who were willing to testify he did not buy votes as alleged by Sirichai Chatchaipolrat, of Chart Pattana.

Maj-Gen Sornchai was required to explain allegations that Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, a Defence Ministry officer, intimidated voters on his behalf in Kanchanaburi.

Maj-Gen Khattiya was thought to have been in the province to clamp down on drugs at the request of the Internal Security Operations Command.

Mr Sakchai said he was ready to prove he did not buy votes.