State officials ‘must not aid candidates’

State officials are barred from assisting local election candidates on May 22, warned the Election Commission (EC), saying contenders must also strictly abide by the law when canvassing for votes.

Legal restrictions kicked in after the EC formally announced the Bangkok gubernatorial and Pattaya city mayoral elections would be held on May 22. Candidacy registration will open from Thursday to April 4.

Sawang Boonmee, acting EC secretary-general, said candidates representing parties must ensure expenses for canvassing are declared to the EC.

Samran Tanpanich, director of Bangkok’s EC office, said state officials are prohibited from assisting Bangkok gubernatorial and city council candidates, even after office hours. Candidates fielded by parties may adopt a party logo and refer to the party’s policies when canvassing, he said. However, they may not mention party…