Asia-Pacific

Vote-buying found in NE Thailand: Police

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-31 16:37

BANGKOK - National Police Chief Police General Wichean Potephosree admitted on Tuesday that some electoral frauds such as vote-buying has already been found in the northeastern region of the country prior to the general election to be held on July 3, 2011.

The National Police Chief said police officers were dispatched to the areas where electoral frauds had been reported in order that they could launch an investigation into the problem.  

Regarding a number of complaints that some police officers in the newly established northeastern province of Bueng Kan lack political neutrality, the national police chief said he had ordered an urgent probe into the allegation. The result would be achieved within seven days, Pol Gen Wichean added.

The National Police also set up a workshop to provide related officers with knowledge and understanding about electoral laws and regulations as the competition in the upcoming general election is expected to be high.

Based on the updated data from the Election Commission as of May 31, there are 40 political parties to join the upcoming election which will send 375 constituency-based MPs and 125 party- list MPs to the House of Representatives.