The authenticity of a leaked Line chat alleging political interference in Phuket has been questioned after an Interior Ministry review found numerous errors, including names that did not match official election records.
Interior Ministry sources said the screenshot was purportedly a conversation between Narucha Kosacivilize, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Phuket deputy governor Roongruang Thimabut.
It contained a list of political candidates and their popularity across constituencies, along with an instruction from a senior official to "help the blue", a colour associated with the Bhumjaithai Party. The sources said a review comparing the names listed in the chat with Election Commission candidate records found numerous inconsistencies across multiple constituencies.
In Phuket's constituency 1, for example, the chat named a candidate who is currently a senior district official, while the official list shows a different party nominee. In constituency 2, several entries differed from official records, including names of individuals holding unrelated public positions or absent from the ballot altogether, raising further questions about the chat's accuracy.
The sources said some individuals named in the chat were still serving in government positions or had not resigned to contest the election, contradicting the leaked information. The findings have intensified scrutiny over the authenticity of the chat, with further verification under way to determine the origin of the images and whether they may have been manipulated, the sources said.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, deputy leader of the People's Party, said the alleged "help the blue" message would be a concern if proven authentic. He said it had shocked the public and could indicate improper political interference and abuse of administrative transfers. He said it could also suggest pressure on civil servants to favour political interests, undermining political neutrality and the rule of law.
Mr Narucha has denied sending the message or having any knowledge of it.
