Reserve Senator Challenges Subcommittee Chair’s Political Neutrality

Bangkok: A reserve senator has initiated a formal request to the Election Commission to remove Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul from his role as the chairman of Subcommittee 36. This follows the circulation of images that allegedly depict Pol. Lt. Col. Piya compromising his political neutrality by welcoming Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. According to Thai News Agency, the petition was led by Mr. Akkarawat Pongthanachalitkul, who, along with other reserve senators, called for the removal of Pol. Lt. Col. Piya from his position. The controversy erupted after images showed him greeting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul with a respectful bow at a restricted airport parking area, suggesting an inappropriate closeness. The subcommittee, which operates under the Election Commission's regulations, demands political neutrality and integrity among its members, as outlined in Article 74 of the 2018 regulations and its 2023 amendments. Mr. Akkharawat pointed out that the actions of Pol. Lt. Col. Piya were inconsistent with the requirement for political neutrality. He highlighted the geographical distance between Bangkok and Buriram to emphasize the unusual nature of Pol. Lt. Col. Piya's presence at the event, which was not open to the public. Despite Pol. Lt. Col. Piya's lack of official affiliation with the Bhumjaithai Party, Mr. Akkharawat argued that his actions indicated a political bias that is unacceptable for someone in his position. He insisted that the conduct, political expression, and integrity of Pol. Lt. Col. Piya must be scrutinized. In his petition, Mr. Akkharawat urged the Election Commission to take immediate action by removing Pol. Lt. Col. Piya from Subcommittee 36. He warned that allowing him to continue could result in biased rulings and requested measures to prevent Pol. Lt. Col. Piya from interfering with evidence related to the Senate collusion case, identified as Central Case No. 87, Senate 10/2568.