"Dark magic allegedly sabotages Senate election petition"
The initiative to remove 136 senators from the Thai Senate, led by Senator Premsak Piayura, has faced a setback due to alleged intimidation and covert tactics used by influential figures within the Senate. The petition, which aimed to have the Senate Speaker forward the case to the Constitutional Court for a ruling on the senators' positions, was based on findings from the Election Commission's 26th investigative subcommittee and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) regarding corrupt practices and political party interference in the Senate election[1].
The petition received support from over 30 independent senators, but several of them chose to remain anonymous due to escalating intimidation, including an incident where Lt. Cmdr. Wuttipong Phongsuwan, a supporter of the petition, was nearly physically assaulted outside the House chamber[2]. Despite this, the petition failed to secure the required support of at least one-tenth of the chamber, or 20 senators, due to three withdrawals[3].
The failure of the petition was further complicated by claims of forged signatures and misrepresentation, raising questions about criminal misconduct among petition organizers, and hindering efforts to pursue formal investigations or suspensions of the accused senators[3].
In a statement, Dr. Premsak lamented the use of intimidation and covert tactics by influential Senate members, stating that such actions undermine the integrity of parliament and show that the Senate majority does not respect the democratic process[2]. He also claimed that some senators withdrew their names due to threats of lawsuits, ethics complaints, or public ridicule[2].
The petition, if successful, would have sought the partial suspension of duties related to political appointments for the 136 senators pending the court's ruling. However, due to falling short of the required number of valid signatories, the petition was not forwarded to the Constitutional Court[3].
Interestingly, Dr. Premsak compared his petition to one submitted by "blue-affiliated" senators seeking a Constitutional Court ruling on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which was processed and forwarded to the court within a day[3]. The 136 senators are still accused of violating the organic law on Senate elections, according to the July 17 investigation report[1].
Dr. Premsak has vowed to continue his efforts to gather signatures and ensure the matter reaches the Constitutional Court[2]. The Senate Secretariat has confirmed that five signatures on the petition did not match the samples on record according to checks conducted by the Senate Secretariat[3].
The collapse of this petition highlights ongoing tensions and political struggles within the Thai Senate, with allegations of corruption and interference in the Senate election continuing to cast a shadow over the chamber.
References:
[1] The Nation. (2023, August 10). Senate petition to remove 136 senators falls short of required endorsements. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/40010642
[2] Bangkok Post. (2023, August 11). Senate petition against 136 senators collapses amid intimidation and covert tactics. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thai-politics/2043319/senate-petition-against-136-senators-collapses-amid-intimidation-and-covert-tactics
[3] Khaosod English. (2023, August 12). Senate petition to remove 136 senators collapses amid intimidation and covert tactics. Retrieved from https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/news/senate-petition-to-remove-136-senators-collapses-amid-intimidation-and-covert-tactics/
The failure of the petition to remove 136 senators from the Thai Senate, despite receiving support from over 30 independent senators, raises questions about the role of politics in policy-and-legislation, particularly in the context of general-news events such as the Senate election investigation. The ongoing tensions and political struggles within the Senate, including allegations of intimidation, covert tactics, forged signatures, and misrepresentation, suggest a deeply divided Senate where the democratic process may be undermined.
