77 Individuals, Including 26 Sitting Senators, Sent to Supreme Court Over Senate Election Irregularities

BANGKOK — The Election Commission (EC) has voted to send 77 individuals, including 26 sitting senators, to the Supreme Court over alleged collusion and other offences linked to the 2024 Senate election. This decision highlights significant concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process. The EC began its deliberation on the case at 10:00 on Monday, with all seven commissioners in attendance. Approximately 200 police officers were deployed around the EC headquarters for security. The announcement, made at 15:00, saw public observers barred from the second floor, while registered media were permitted to attend. The public could follow the proceedings via external screens or the EC's YouTube channel. Initially reported as involving 229 respondents, acting EC deputy secretary-general Lt Col Phasakorn Siriphakyaporn stated that the investigation actually covered 427 respondents across seven distinct allegations. The case file comprises 75,722 pages. Out of 610 complaints related to the Senate election, the EC has ruled on 593, with 17 remaining unresolved. The commission also decided to pursue criminal cases against 1,076 candidates accused of lacking qualifications or possessing prohibited characteristics. For the allegation concerning political party executives, MPs, or political officeholders allegedly assisting Senate candidates under Section 76(1), the EC voted not to send any of the 21 respondents to the Supreme Court. Similarly, for candidates allegedly allowing politicians to help them secure Senate seats under Section 76(2), no prosecution was pursued against the 140 respondents. However, the third allegation, involving candidates' self-introductions allegedly violating EC rules under Section 36(1) in conjunction with Section 70, led to the first prosecutions. Of 175 respondents, the EC voted to send 26 sitting senators, one individual eligible to vote in the Senate selection process, and 15 other individuals to the Supreme Court. No political party executive will be prosecuted under this allegation. Furthermore, for allegations four through seven, involving the alleged provision of property or benefits, acceptance of entertainment, and solicitation of benefits, the EC voted to prosecute 26 sitting senators, 36 individuals eligible to vote in the Senate selection process, and 15 other individuals, totaling 77 people. This decision means MPs and political party executives have escaped prosecution in this case, while 26 sitting senators are among those facing proceedings before the Supreme Court. The EC emphasized that prior panel opinions were not binding and served only as information for the commissioners' deliberations. The post 26 senators among 77 sent to court over senate election case appeared first on Khaosod English.