Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (EC) has escalated a case involving fraudulent Senate elections to the Supreme Court, seeking criminal charges and the revocation of rights for three interim officials. The case highlights a nationwide scheme involving bribery and vote manipulation.
According to Thai News Agency, the EC's decision, announced on December 23rd, targets Mr. Abdullah Sueamae, Mr. Mayali Bado, and Mr. Muhammad Masri Hami, none of whom were candidates for Senate membership. The commission's evidence points to payments made for accommodation and travel expenses in exchange for votes. The EC has also launched further investigations into 22 other Senate candidates.
The EC's website details the ruling, which petitions the Supreme Court to revoke electoral rights of the accused under Section 62 of the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senate Membership 2018 and Section 226 of the Constitution. The ruling also exempts Mr. Suriya Dueh, a candidate who served as a witness, from criminal prosecution.
The allegations stem from a complaint regarding the national Senate election held on June 26, 2024. The complaint involved collusion among candidates in Group 7, who allegedly did not vote for themselves, resulting in zero votes. Mr. Abdullah Sueamae allegedly coordinated with others to influence Mr. Suriya Dueh, a rubber tapper with no initial intent to run, by promising financial support and covering expenses for his candidacy in the Chanae District, Narathiwat Province. Subsequently, Mr. Dueh was flown to Bangkok with expenses paid by the accused, where he received 10,000 baht in exchange for his vote.
The Supreme Court is now set to review the case, which implicates Respondents 24, 25, and 26 in arranging and promising benefits to sway votes, violating the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Members of the Senate, 2018, and several sections of the Constitution. The actions of the accused have been deemed to undermine the integrity and fairness of the election process.
The case also involves 23 respondents eligible to vote in the 7th National Senate election, with investigations ongoing for the remaining 22 voters. The Central Investigation and Inquiry Committee No. 4 will handle these investigations, following the EC's regulations.
Additionally, the Constitutional Court is scheduled for a session regarding a separate case involving the alleged misuse of the Department of Special Investigation by Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice. This hearing will examine whether their ministerial positions should be terminated due to ethics violations.