The One Thai Nation (ETN) political party has faced accusations of misusing government property after the Rama VIII Bridge in Bangkok was lit up with the party's logo. Election rules prohibit political parties from using state property for election campaigning.
On the bridge was written: "Vote for No22" for "Stability, Wealth and Uncle Too." Notably, the current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha's nickname is Tu. He is running for a second term under the ETH.
In response to the allegations, the party released a statement on Tuesday morning saying that the party's parliamentary candidate, Tipanan Srichana, installed the laser beam without informing the party.
The letter says that Tipanan allegedly applied to the permanent secretary of the capital for permission to install a display on the bridge, but did not inform the party about this intention.
ETH says it has informed city officials of the need to remove the display immediately.
The outrage began when Tipanan posted photos of the bridge and messages from the party on her Twitter page.
When asked if political parties could use state property for election campaigning, the head of the Electoral Commission (EC) said it was possible if the competent authorities responsible for the venue agreed.
However, he added that all parties must strictly adhere to the rules, as the elections will be held in less than five days.
