Bangkok: Senators are preparing to meet with the Senate Whip on February 26 to develop a strategy against the Department of Special Investigation's (DSI) accusations, while affirming that the senator selection process adhered to constitutional guidelines.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phisit Apiwattanapong, a member of the Blue Group of Senators, discussed the ongoing measures against the DSI's consideration of a case involving alleged collusion in the 2024 senator selection process as a special case. The Senate Affairs Committee (Senate Whip) will deliberate on legal responses for those implicated in the collusion charges during their meeting on February 26. Mr. Phisit expressed uncertainty about whether the issue would be raised during the Senate meeting on February 23.
Mr. Phisit emphasized the legality and democratic nature of the senator selection process, dismissing misunderstandings regarding the organic law on senator acquisition. He questioned the DSI's allegations of a secret society and national security threat, pointing out the implausibility of senators knowing each other prior to their official roles. He clarified that any meetings occurred only after their appointments as senators.
In response to inquiries about potential political motivations behind the allegations, particularly as senators delay constitutional amendments, Mr. Phisit acknowledged the possibility but also suggested it could be coincidental. He noted that the collusion complaint was filed at the end of 2024, yet gained attention amidst discussions of constitutional amendments, potentially turning senators into scapegoats.