The Election Commission believes Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra had nothing to do with Democrat Party MP Sirichoke Sopha's posting of a message and picture on Facebook allegedly offending the Pheu Thai candidate during the lead-up to the March 3 Bangkok governor election, commissioner Wisuth Phothaen said.
Mr Wisuth was referring to the EC's decision to seek legal action against Mr Sirichoke for posting on his Facebook page a message and picture of the city on fire during the 2010 political violence in a way that could create a false image of Pheu Thai candidate Pongsapat Pongcharoen.
He said the majority of the EC agreed to a proposal by two sub-committees, one set up by the Bangkok election committee and another by the EC, to clear Democrat Party candidate MR Sukhumbhand of any involvement, based on Sections 57, 95, 96 and 97 of the Local Administrations Election Act.
Moreover, what was posted on Facebook was obviously not the work of MR Sukhumbhand.
Mr Wisuth said after the EC files a case against Mr Sirichoke and if the court accepts it for proceedings, the MP will not be required to stand down from his duties in the House of Representatives.
If found guilty as chagred, he would be liable to one to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of between 20,000 and 200,000 baht and may be banned from elections for 10 years according to Section 118 of the Local Administrations Election Act.