Bangkok: Lawyer Aun Buriram, alongside a group of reserve senators, has called on the Election Commission to expedite the investigation into election complaints, with plans to potentially escalate the issue to the Constitutional Court regarding the involvement of political figures.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Patarapong Supakorn, also known as Lawyer Aun Buriram, and the group submitted a formal request urging the Election Commission to promptly address complaints about the Senate selection process and investigate issues related to political figures. Specific concerns were raised about the actions of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who relocated his residency to Buriram province, sparking questions about the use of a public runway in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, for personal gain. Lawyer Aun indicated this matter may need to be referred to the Constitutional Court for further examination.
Additionally, Lawyer Aun expressed concerns about the Ombudsman's role, emphasizing the importance of transparency. He committed to personally petitioning the Constitutional Court to ensure a thorough and fair investigation. The reserve senators also highlighted issues with the swapping of candidate lists, stating they have evidence ready to be submitted to the Election Commission, viewing it as a critical issue that could undermine the legitimacy of the selection process.
The Election Commission had certified the Senate election results on July 10, 2024, but complaints have been raised regarding the election's integrity and fairness. An investigation committee was established to scrutinize these concerns, but the reserve senators expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity and perceived delays in the process. They suggested that the Election Commission might be attempting to delay the senator collusion case due to its composition, with a majority of its members originating from the Senate.
Further, the reserve senators highlighted ongoing legal proceedings under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, noting the court's deadline for submitting statements and related documents had passed on February 22nd. They questioned whether the necessary evidence had been duly submitted, underscoring the need for a transparent and expeditious resolution.