EC's Senate Election Decision Sparks Criticism, Protest Fears Grow

The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has decided to pursue cases against 77 individuals over alleged collusion in the 2024 Senate selection. However, the decision has drawn significant criticism as it exempts key political figures, including ministers and executives from the Bhumjai Thai party. According to the EC's decision, the 77 individuals include 26 serving senators, 36 candidates eligible to vote in the Senate selection, and 15 other individuals. Notably, none of the 21 accused Bhumjai Thai politicians, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, will face court or criminal proceedings. EC Chairman Narong Klunwarin clarified that the decision is not a finding of guilt, allowing affected individuals to contest the allegations in the Supreme Court. The decision has raised numerous questions, particularly regarding the reliance on testimony from former MP Ekkarat Changlao (Witness No. 16), which was later retracted. An EC panel had deemed him unreliable, recommending the dismissal of cases against 229 accused. This has led civil society group iLaw to accuse the EC of abusing its power to protect senators from the so-called 'Blue Faction'. Yingcheep Atchanont, Project Manager of iLaw, announced at a press conference that the EC has delayed evidence disclosure and will progressively reveal evidence regarding unindicted individuals. Furthermore, Thailand is advancing towards constitutional reform, with a draft proposed by the Bhumjai Thai Party granting senators absolute power to select constitution drafters and approve the final charter. iLaw is urging public participation in petitions for a citizen-led constitutional draft with a fully elected Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) to counter this setup. The People's Party has also announced plans to take legal action against the EC, arguing that targeting only some senators while absolving Bhumjai Thai party members and executives is unjust. The party presented extensive evidence, including voting instruction sheets, financial trails, audio clips, and phone logs, asserting that a broader network should be prosecuted collectively. Jatuporn Prompan, a political commentator and former Red Shirt leader, suggested that the EC's decision could fuel public dissatisfaction and potentially trigger new street protests. The upcoming Constitutional Court decision on September 28 regarding the barcode issue in the February 8, 2026 elections is also seen as a potential catalyst for demonstrations. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul declined to answer questions regarding the EC's decision, simply saying "Bye-bye" before departing. He is currently in Vietnam and has yet to issue a formal response. Source: Thai Enquirer