Former Election Commissioner Files Police Report After Assault

Former Thai election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn filed a police report on September 4th, alleging he was assaulted by Nattawut Wongniem in front of the Thonglor Police Station. The incident was witnessed by police officers and media personnel. According to Somchai, as he arrived at the police station by bicycle around 1 p.m. to file a complaint against Nattawut, he encountered the latter already present. Upon greeting Nattawut, he was subjected to verbal abuse. Nattawut then pushed Somchai's bicycle, causing it to fall and Somchai to land on the ground. Somchai stated that instead of stopping, Nattawut continued his verbal onslaught and intimidating gestures. The incident was captured by the station's surveillance cameras, with at least four news outlets also recording the events. Somchai reported sustaining two abrasions on his legs. Nattawut has been arrested as a suspect for the offenses committed in broad daylight. He has undergone fingerprinting and criminal record-keeping. Somchai and his lawyer have opposed bail, citing the brazen nature of the actions that occurred in a government office before police. They expressed concern that Nattawut might lose control and harm others if released. Somchai affirmed that the case will proceed to court and rejected any attempts at mediation, regardless of who initiates it. He challenged potential mediators to reveal their identities. Somchai speculated that Nattawut's targeting of him stemmed from his public disclosure of factual information about Nattawut's past, particularly regarding claims of resignation versus actual dismissal from government service. He believes his speaking the truth made him a target. Somchai's lawyer, Noraset Nanongtoom, stated that in addition to the assault case, a complaint has been filed against Nattawut for filing a false police report. This relates to a previous complaint by Nattawut accusing Somchai's foundation of fraud and money laundering, in which Somchai was also implicated. Furthermore, Nattawut allegedly made threatening remarks, such as "I know your house is near the Indonesian Embassy, we’ll see each other soon," causing Somchai concern for his safety.