Senate poll fixing case 'on track' for review completion, says EC chief

Thailand's Election Commission (EC) is on track to complete its review of a high-profile Senate election collusion case within the legal timeframe, EC chairman Narong Klanwarin said, rejecting allegations the agency is delaying proceedings.

“

We are confident the process will be completed within the legal timeframe.

Mr Narong stated the commission deliberates every Monday, with three of the 12 scheduled meetings already completed and the fourth due next week. "We are confident the process will be completed within the legal timeframe," he said. He acknowledged mounting calls for the EC to forward the case to the court but stressed the commission must investigate and rule on every complaint before deciding whether to dismiss it or refer it for judicial consideration. "The EC is not a post office that simply forwards whatever is submitted to us. We cannot do that because it would be against the law. We must issue a ruling on every case," Mr Narong said.

He denied the EC was deliberately prolonging the process, saying the commission remains committed to completing the review within the 12 scheduled meetings. The EC cannot meet solely on the Senate case because it must also handle complaints arising from local and Bangkok elections, he added. Mr Narong said commissioners are reviewing the entire case file independently rather than relying on the conclusions of any investigative subcommittee. Responding to questions about new evidence released by People's Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu, Mr Narong said all evidence contained in the investigation dossier would be considered.

“

The EC is not a post office that simply forwards whatever is submitted to us. We cannot do that because it would be against the law. We must issue a ruling on every case.

He also denied feeling pressure despite persistent criticism from opposition parties. "I am simply performing my duties under the law. If I could not withstand the pressure, I would have resigned," he said. The Senate election collusion case has become one of the most closely watched political investigations since the nationwide Senate election on June 26, 2024. Investigators allege an organised network coordinated Senate candidates across all 20 occupational groups, with senior politicians, cabinet members and influential provincial political families accused of supporting the operation. Under the EC investigation, 229 people have been formally accused, including 138 senators and 91 political figures. The case has been jointly investigated by the EC and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

“

I am simply performing my duties under the law. If I could not withstand the pressure, I would have resigned.