PM Dismisses Senate Election Allegations' Impact on Coalition Stability

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed concerns that allegations of vote manipulation in the Senate election could undermine the coalition government's stability. His remarks followed iLaw director Yingcheep Atchanont's pledge to continue releasing evidence of alleged manipulation in the 2024 Senate election. iLaw has submitted a petition to opposition chief whip Parit Wacharasindhu seeking a parliamentary inquiry into the alleged involvement of nine senior Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) figures in orchestrating irregularities. iLaw alleged that Prime Minister Anutin attended a gathering at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel while other senior BJT figures were allegedly involved in different stages of the operation. Mr Anutin stated that the party and its members were not involved in the Senate election process and that there was no need to establish a "war room" to respond. He explained that he had issued a written directive to all party members one month before the election, instructing them not to become involved in the selection process. Regarding the Pullman hotel gathering allegation, the premier said he was a frequent guest of the hotel and rejected any suggestion that his visits were linked to the election. He also dismissed speculation that the allegations could lead to the party's dissolution, while confirming his intention to pursue legal action against Mr Yingcheep. PM's Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul, one of those named by iLaw, insisted the planned legal action was not a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP). "This is not a SLAPP suit. The allegations have damaged not only me personally but also the party, making legal action necessary," he said. PM's Office Minister Suksomruay Wantaneeyakul, also named by iLaw, urged the opposition to verify its information before making public allegations. "Mr Parit is a little late. It's been two years, and he's only now raising issues based on information that has already been examined," she noted. At a recent forum marking the second anniversary of the Senate election, Mr Parit outlined his own evidence of collusion and concern that the Election Commission might not pursue all complaints.