Urging Accelerated Investigation by the Election Commission by Former Senate Candidates
In a significant development, an ongoing investigation is underway into alleged collusion and fraudulent practices in the 2024 Thai Senate election. The Election Commission (EC) concluded its investigation on July 17, 2025, recommending legal action against 229 individuals, including 138 senators and 91 party executives from Bhumjaithai Party and affiliates, based on credible evidence of collusion violating the Organic Law on Senatorial Elections and the Constitution.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is also conducting a parallel probe focusing on political party interference and financial records linked to vote manipulation. The next formal step involves the EC Secretary-General or Deputy Secretary-General making recommendations, potentially leading to Constitutional Court proceedings that might result in dissolving implicated political parties or disqualifying accused individuals.
However, the investigation results from the 26th Investigation Committee have not been submitted to the EC board as of the stated date, despite initial expectations of submission by July 10. This delay has prompted concerns and calls for an expedited investigation.
A group of former Senate candidates on the reserve list, led by Pol Lt Gen Kamrob Panyakaew, have submitted a petition to the Election Commission. The petition urges an expedited investigation into alleged collusion in the Senate election. Similarly, Pol Lt Gen Kamrob himself has filed a complaint to give the EC a warning about the delay in the investigation.
The ongoing investigation, currently under review by the EC Secretariat Office, is the second stage of the investigative process. The political and institutional responses remain highly contested, marked by internal Senate conflicts and public calls for transparency.
References:
- The Nation
- Bangkok Post
- Khaosod English
- Thai PBS World
- The Standard
- The ongoing investigation, focusing on policies-and-legislation regarding the 2024 Thai Senate election, has uncovered alleged collusion and fraudulent practices, which has led to calls for a speedy resolution from a group of former Senate candidates. (The Nation, Bangkok Post, Khaosod English, Thai PBS World)
- The general-news sites report that as the investigation progresses through the political-and-legislation arena, it is also shining a light on crime-and-justice matters such as political party interference and financial records linked to vote manipulation, raising concerns about transparency in the Thai political system. (The Nation, Bangkok Post, Khaosod English, Thai PBS World, The Standard)
