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🇹🇭 Thailand /Elections & Politics

Dems threaten EC over Senate case, may pursue malfeasance charges

From Bangkok Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Democrat Party in Thailand has threatened legal action against the Election Commission (EC) if it drops a Senate vote-rigging case.
  • The party is also calling for investigations into alleged cheating in government recruitment exams and illegal online gun sales.
  • Concerns were raised about the government's handling of four key issues, including delayed allowances for border patrol police and illegal online gun sales.

Thailand's Democrat Party is poised to pursue malfeasance charges against the Election Commission (EC) if the latter decides to drop an ongoing investigation into alleged vote-rigging in the 2024 Senate election. The party's legal team is prepared to file charges under Section 157 of the Criminal Code if the EC fails to proceed with the case.

The Democrat Party has threatened legal action against the Election Commission (EC) if it drops an alleged Senate vote-rigging case.

— Democrat PartyStatement regarding the party's stance on the EC's handling of the Senate election case.

Democrat Party spokesperson Kongpong Chonlaphakdi stated on Friday that the party also seeks the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to independently pursue the Senate election case. The party has been gathering evidence of potential political party involvement in vote-rigging schemes. Chonlaphakdi noted that the DSI's stance has shifted, and the party fears internal investigations might be used to shield influential figures or politicians.

Beyond the Senate election, the Democrats are demanding action on other fronts. They are calling for investigations into suspected corruption in local government recruitment exams. Furthermore, the party is urging the government to collaborate with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau and the Digital Economy and Society Ministry to suppress illegal online firearms markets. Chonlaphakdi highlighted that border patrol officers in Region 1 have not received their daily allowances for over five months, forcing them to cover living and food expenses themselves.

The party's legal team is prepared to file charges under Section 157 of the Criminal Code if the EC fails to proceed with the case.

— Democrat PartyDetails of the legal action threatened against the Election Commission.

The party also addressed the issue of firearms permits, noting that the suspension of permits for Types 2, 3, and 4 has made it difficult for many lower-ranking police officers to obtain necessary firearms for duty, while criminals can still acquire illegal online guns. The Democrats are pushing for a predictable penalty under anti-money laundering laws, as the case could involve financial transactions.

The DSI's stance has shifted, and the party fears internal investigations might be used to shield influential figures or politicians.

— Kongpong ChonlaphakdiDemocrat Party spokesperson expressing concern over the Department of Special Investigation's approach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Bangkok Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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