'Grey' list exploitation

With national polling just 11 days away, it is alarming to witness the caretaker government releasing the names of politicians with alleged criminal links to scammers — or even concluding a ministerial probe against an official set to contest the election.

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The move is part of a plan by Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob to release the names of 10 “grey politicians”. These individuals are reportedly under police investigation or face arrest warrants for links to online gambling and scam networks.

While the stated intention is legal enforcement, the outcome directly affects political parties and election campaigns.

For example, the People's Party had to suspend Ratchapong Soisuwan, a candidate for the Feb 8 general election in Tak province, after his name was released earlier this month.