Nine list-MP candidates and one prime ministerial candidate have been disqualified from the May 14 vote after the Election Commission (EC) yesterday ruled them ineligible to run for office.
The axed prime ministerial candidate was Rattha Phirawitthanaphak, who was nominated by the Rat Withi Party, the EC said.
Mr Rattha’s failure to earn a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent meant he failed to achieve the minimum education requirement, it said.
Meanwhile, Narima Tole, a New Democracy Party list candidate, was ruled out for being too young because she is under 25, the minimum age that a candidate can contest a national election.
Ms Narima was born on 23 July 1999, which left her just three months shy of the requirement.
Khananat Muennu, a list-MP candidate of the Bhumjaithai Party, was disqualified because he had previously been dismissed from his position as mayor of tambon Thale Noi municipality in Phatthalung province, said the EC.
Buntham Khammi, whose name was put forward by the Thai Population Party, was found to be barred from entry as he had never exercised his right to vote in a local election.
Narong Auysin, of the Thai To Be One Party, was disqualified as there was no formal proof of his membership of the party, said the EC.
Prawit Saengsawang, of Thai Citizen Party, Lt Col Prasan Saengsawang of Thai Liberal Party (Seri Ruam Thai Party) and Khaekhai Thitichananan, also of the Thai Liberal Party, were also thrown out because the EC could not confirm their party memberships.
Sathian Khongpan and Phanuphon Chongchaithanarot, both Thai Sang Thai Party candidates, had also failed to exercise their right to vote in a past local election, said the EC.
All 10 barred candidates now have a week to lodge appeals with the Supreme Court if they wish to have any chance of seeing the decision reversed.
In other poll news, the Royal Thai Police on Friday monitored the transport of ballots for overseas advance voting in 94 cities in 66 countries from printing houses to Thailand Post Co in Lak Si district to departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport.