Senate Collusion Case: EC to Rule Today, PM Anutin Among Accused; Civil Society Demands Supreme Court Referral

The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand is set to announce its verdict today on allegations of collusion in the 2024 Senate elections, involving 229 individuals. The EC began its meeting at 10:00 AM, with a decision expected around 4:30 PM. Speculation is rife that all 138 implicated senators may be referred to court, while executive members of the Bhumjai Thai party, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, might be acquitted. The seven EC commissioners are under pressure to make a call, compounded by the fact that four of them were appointed by the current group of senators under investigation, raising concerns about a conflict of interest. Civil society group iLaw led an 11-kilometer march in Bangkok on Sunday, demanding that the EC refer the case against all 229 accused to the Supreme Court. iLaw executive director Yingcheep Atchanont questioned the EC’s independence, noting that four of its seven commissioners were selected with the involvement of the current Senate, and warned of evidence disclosure if cases are dismissed. Yesterday, iLaw disclosed 140 names identified as "pre-selected" in "cheat sheets" linked to the Senate election fraud case. This information emerged from an inquiry committee's investigation into witness testimonies and evidence, including the preparation of cheat sheets, money transfers, and phone records. A coalition of four civil society networks and prominent public figures has also issued a joint statement calling on the EC to submit vote-rigging cases involving the Senate selection to the Supreme Court, citing ongoing evidence of systemic corruption, collusion, and block voting that severely undermine the country’s rule of law. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated he has nothing to prepare ahead of the EC’s ruling, despite being among the 229 accused. He expressed confidence in his government's stability and downplayed political risks. The Prime Minister is scheduled to accompany HM the King on a state visit to Vietnam today. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Pheu Thai Party leader Phumtham Wechayachai addressed recent political tension in a Facebook post, emphasizing his goal of responsible politics rather than partisan debate. He warned against using political theatrics to cast blame on Pheu Thai to cover up internal party shortcomings. Former People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn and former Future Forward Party MP Amarat Chokepamitkul publicly responded to Pheu Thai Party leader Phumtham Wechayachai’s comments regarding political negotiations and the Senate collusion and Khao Kradong cases. Wiroj acknowledged Phumtham’s perspective and accepted full responsibility for the People’s Party’s past decisions without making excuses. However, he emphasized that political choices do not absolve any party from the responsibility to combat corruption. Stating that Phumtham’s post proved Pheu Thai was fully aware of the severity of the Senate collusion and Khao Kradong issues, Wiroj urged that these matters be investigated and prosecuted fairly regardless of political affiliations. Concurrently, Amarat offered a sharper critique, dismissing Phumtham’s explanation, condemning Pheu Thai’s alliance with the Democrat Party, and calling on the party to stop making excuses. The Senate on Friday approved the 3.788-trillion-baht fiscal 2027 budget bill with 145 votes in favor, five opposed, and 12 abstentions out of 162 total votes. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed gratitude to the senators, highlighting the budget as a vital tool to drive government policies and foster sustainable economic growth. On September 13, Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior posted a message on Facebook stating that Their Majesties the King and Queen had graciously commanded Air Marshal Phakdee Saeng-chuto, Assistant Principal Private Secretary, to present a royal flower vase on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Yesterday Anutin hosted a private family merit-making event at his residence for his 60th birthday, drawing visits and well-wishes from key cabinet members, top interior officials, and senior police officers. Prominent political figures sent congratulatory flower baskets, including Privy Councillor Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Khunying Potjaman Damapong, and Deputy Prime Minister Yoschanan Wong. Source: Thai Enquirer