The winning Pheu Thai candidate in Chiang Mai's Constituency 8 yesterday called on the Election Commission (EC) to review its decision to disqualify him.
Surapol Kietchaiyakorn was found to have violated Section 73(2) of the law governing the elections of MPs, which prevents candidates from promising cash or other benefits, directly or indirectly, to communities, temples or schools.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Surapol said the disqualification involved him making a campaign speech and giving 2,000 baht in cash to a Buddhist monk at a temple in Chom Thong district on Feb 14.
The Pheu Thai candidate insisted he had done nothing wrong.
"I didn't conduct any campaign activities. I didn't hand out campaign leaflets. I didn't wear the party logo. I went there with my driver. So I'm asking the EC to review the decision," he said.
The veteran politician won the election in Constituency 8 with more than 50,000 votes. Naret Thamrongthippayakul of the Palang Pracharath Party came second with 39,221 votes, followed by Srinual Boonlue of the Future Forward Party with 29,556 votes.
Following his disqualification, Mr Surapol is not allowed to run in the re-election because the EC's ruling, known as an orange card, bars him from contesting an election for one year.
