Referendum clip involving students draws backlash

A complaint was filed today with the Election Commission (EC) by self-appointed whistle-blower Srisuwan Janya, calling for an investigation into the conduct of a Pheu Thai party-list candidate who allegedly misled school students into supporting the party’s efforts to amend the Constitution.

Srisuwan said that on January 14, Chaturon Chaisang posted a video clip on social media featuring footballers from Monthong Wittaya School in Bang Nam Priao district of Chachoengsao holding placards supporting a vote to amend the existing Constitution in a referendum scheduled for February 8.

The controversial clip has drawn mixed reactions, with critics accusing the Pheu Thai election candidate of manipulating students—who are not supposed to be involved in politics—for political gain.

Srisuwan claimed that the football team’s coach, Sakol Kliangprasert, has stated that he knew nothing about his team being used in a political campaign.

The whistle-blower also alleged that Chaturon’s conduct could constitute deception under Section 77 of the Referendum Act, which carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of 200,000 baht upon conviction.

Meanwhile, Chaturon said he had decided to remove all of the clips from every platform on which he had posted them.

In a Facebook post, Chaturon said he realized that the release of the video clip may have caused Sakol and the students to be criticized, although he believed that some of the criticism may have gone beyond the actual facts of what occurred.

However, if the incident caused discomfort to school administrators, the student football players, or Sakol himself, he said he sincerely apologized and would remove all of the clips.

He added that he wished to reiterate that public figures—such as celebrities or influencers—should be assured that expressing opinions of any kind regarding a referendum is a freely exercisable right protected by law.

Such expression, he said, is not harmful and is, in fact, beneficial to the country.

Sakol, meanwhile, said that he and the young athletes had been deceived into holding signs and taking photos, without any prior coordination or explanation of their purpose.

The incident occurred during the team’s regular football practice, when they were approached and asked to take photos.

Everyone believed it was a routine photo session and was unaware that the images would later be used in a political context.

The coach emphasized that the school, the team, and the players focus primarily on sports and youth development and do not support or align with any political party.

Responding to the controversial video footage, EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee told the media today that campaigning in support of drafting a new charter is legally considered an act of free expression.

When asked whether the students had been deceived, he said he could not answer the question, adding that anyone who believes they have been deceived or misled may file a complaint with the EC.

The Monthong Wittaya School football team is a small seven-a-side squad from Bang Nam Priao district of Chachoengsao. They went viral in late 2025 after reaching the final of the “7GD Champion Cup,” defeating several elite Bangkok-based teams despite having very limited resources. The team ultimately lost in the final.