The by-election in Rayong is set to take place on September 10, with voting hours from 8 am to 5 pm, according to the Election Commission (EC). This by-election comes as a result of the resignation of constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Nakhonchai Khunnarong. His decision to step down followed the EC’s confirmation that he had served a year and six months in jail back in 1999 for theft.
During the registration period for candidates, a complaint was filed against Nakhonchai with the EC’s Rayong Office, calling for his disqualification. However, the Rayong office was unable to verify the complaint until after the election results were already determined.
The resignation of Nakhonchai Khunnarong, the previously elected MP for Rayong, stemmed from the revelation that he had served time in jail over two decades ago. The EC’s Rayong Office confirmed that Nakhonchai had spent one year and six months behind bars in 1999 due to a theft conviction. This information came to light as a result of a complaint filed against him during the candidacy registration period.
However, the Rayong office was unable to verify the complaint until after the election had taken place, leaving the voters unaware of Nakhonchai’s past. It was only once the results were known that the complaint was finally validated. Following this verification, Nakhonchai decided to step down as the constituency MP.
In response to Nakhonchai’s resignation, the EC has scheduled a by-election to fill the vacant position. This by-election is set to occur on September 10, allowing the Rayong community to choose a new representative for their constituency. Voting will take place between 8 am and 5 pm, providing a wide window of opportunity for voters to participate.
The upcoming by-election has attracted significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding Nakhonchai’s resignation. The revelation of his past criminal record has sparked discussions and debates among the public. Some argue that his conviction occurred more than 20 years ago, and he may have changed since then. Others believe that such a history compromises the integrity of a public representative.
The by-election serves as an opportunity for the Rayong community to voice their opinions and select a new MP who they believe best represents their interests. As the campaign period commences, candidates are expected to provide clarity on their policies and address concerns regarding transparency and honesty.
Overall, the by-election in Rayong presents an important event for the constituents to exercise their democratic rights and choose a representative they deem suitable for their needs. It remains to be seen how voters will assess the impact of Nakhonchai’s resignation and what factors they will consider when casting their votes in the upcoming by-election on September 10.
