Bangkok: Parit Wacharasindhu, a list MP from the People's Party and chairman of the opposition whip, has expressed his distrust towards the Election Commission regarding the Senate collusion case. He revealed five suspicious points during the event "2nd Anniversary of the Senate Election - In-depth Analysis of Evidence in the Senate Collusion Case (Special Edition): How Much Can We Trust the Election Commission?" These points include inadequate anti-corruption regulations, insufficient scrutiny of qualifications, negligence in allowing corruption on election day, suspicions of delay tactics, and the possible dismissal of the case due to alleged insufficient evidence.
According to Thai News Agency, Parit emphasized the distinct roles of the Election Commission and the court, questioning the required level of evidence for a case to proceed. He highlighted that the EC's role is to ascertain credible evidence of corruption, while the court determines whether there is actual evidence of corruption. Parit pointed out the evidence presented by the People's Party at three forums, questioning its adequacy for prosecution.
Senator Sarinthorn Sonthisirikrit, a reserve senator from Group 4, shared her experiences during the senatorial election. She reported issues such as candidates claiming party support, signaling, and copying of voting cards. Despite reporting these concerns to the Election Commission Secretary, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, no action was taken.
Pol. Lt. Col. Banyat Piansawat, a former Senate candidate from Phetchaburi Province, reported evidence of vote-buying schemes involving payments of 5,000 baht per person. He claimed these schemes were intended to hire individuals to run for Senate, but the Election Commission remained unresponsive to his reports.
Pol. Col. Manas Nakornsri, a former election inspector, presented a video clip from the Senate election day showing the use of vote counting sheets and another clip suggesting officials collected bags full of these sheets. Despite these revelations, the Election Commission dismissed the claims, stating there was no substance to them.