(Thailand, 5th) According to reports, alleged misconduct involving collusion during the Thai senator selection vote is currently under review by a subcommittee under the Thai Election Commission (EC), pending a final ruling by the main committee of the EC.
The Election Commission recently responded to public criticism over the slow progress of the investigation, emphasizing that all actions by the committee itself or Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee are being carried out in accordance with the law.
The EC stated that the investigation has now entered the third phase—Subcommittee No. 36 is reviewing case files and drafting investigation recommendations. Once the process is complete, the findings will be submitted to the main committee for a final decision.
The EC also explained the case handling process:
Step one: Each provincial EC office is responsible for the preliminary investigation and submits opinions to the central office;
Step two: The central office reviews and analyzes the case;
Step three: The subcommittee examines the evidence and drafts conclusions;
Step four: The main committee makes the final decision.
This statement was released after substitute senator Akarawat Phongthanachalitkul filed a criminal complaint last Friday (3rd). Akarawat accused the EC and its Secretary-General, Sawaeng, of misconduct in office, violating Article 157 of the Criminal Code and Article 172 of the Anti-Corruption Organization Act.
Akarawat emphasized that his actions are not politically motivated but are aimed at upholding democratic principles. He pointed out that, as a party involved in the senator election, he has the right to demand procedural transparency.
He also expressed concern over recent appointments in the Ministry of Justice, warning that this could affect judicial independence.
He said, "We have repeatedly asked the Election Commission for a clear explanation, but have never received a response. The public has yet to receive justice. In many cases, the facts are already quite clear, yet they continue to be delayed. Such situations should not occur in a democratic system."
The Election Commission recently responded to public criticism over the slow progress of the investigation, emphasizing that all actions by the committee itself or Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee are being carried out in accordance with the law.
The EC stated that the investigation has now entered the third phase—Subcommittee No. 36 is reviewing case files and drafting investigation recommendations. Once the process is complete, the findings will be submitted to the main committee for a final decision.
The EC also explained the case handling process:
Step one: Each provincial EC office is responsible for the preliminary investigation and submits opinions to the central office;
Step two: The central office reviews and analyzes the case;
Step three: The subcommittee examines the evidence and drafts conclusions;
Step four: The main committee makes the final decision.
This statement was released after substitute senator Akarawat Phongthanachalitkul filed a criminal complaint last Friday (3rd). Akarawat accused the EC and its Secretary-General, Sawaeng, of misconduct in office, violating Article 157 of the Criminal Code and Article 172 of the Anti-Corruption Organization Act.
Akarawat emphasized that his actions are not politically motivated but are aimed at upholding democratic principles. He pointed out that, as a party involved in the senator election, he has the right to demand procedural transparency.
He also expressed concern over recent appointments in the Ministry of Justice, warning that this could affect judicial independence.
He said, "We have repeatedly asked the Election Commission for a clear explanation, but have never received a response. The public has yet to receive justice. In many cases, the facts are already quite clear, yet they continue to be delayed. Such situations should not occur in a democratic system."