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1.3 The roles in the monitoring of the election are as follow. 1) There were
mass media reporters, representatives from various embassies, and representatives from
international and domestic organizations who came to participate in the observation
of the election. 2) The organization that monitored the election in Suphan Buri
Provincial area was the Private Organization Council. It performed the duty of examining
the election posters and their contents. It found that some election posters had been
destroyed and there were some actions that might be in violation of the election law.
It also received reports of bribery allegations but could not identify any witness to
support such allegations. The election monitoring organization received financial
support from the US Embassy.
2. The political movements and political behaviors of election applicants
2.1 In Suphan Buri Province, there were only three political party branches: Chart
Thai Pattana Party, Rak Prathet Thai Party, and Phalang Puang Chon Chao Thai Party.
2.2 Despite not having party branches, 32 political parties fielded candidates in the
province, with 24 parties fielding candidates in all four constituencies. 2.3 In this election,
there was a big battle between Mr. Praphat Phothisuthon and Mr. Jongchai Thiangtham.
2.4 There were 103 candidates, the majority of whom were males residing in Suphan Buri
Province. The largest group comprised those who were 51 – 60 years old. 2.5 The reasons
for running in the election were: being a member of a family that engages in political
activities; having been in political circles at local up to the national level; wanting to inherit
and continue a political dynasty; having faith in one’s political party; wanting to help
and develop the areas that still lack prosperity; wanting to change society; and wanting
to create confidence among new voters. 2.6 The political parties engaged in activities to
gain votes in various areas with the use of policies determined by each party, personal
slogans, and personal relationships. The political activities were disseminated via printed
media, canvassing posters, canvassing vehicles, personal information media, and online
social media with the purpose to win votes. 2.7 The political parties spent their money
in accordance with the legal limit, with the Chart Thai Pattana Party’s total spending in
all four constituencies amounting to 4,618,044.50 Baht. 2.8 The problems and obstacles
were the following: the large number of election posters; transporting people to listen
to the canvassing presentations; and the hot weather. 2.9 Candidates used technology
such as online social media, Facebook, Line, and Fan Page, etc. to communicate with
the new generation audience.