Bangkok:A petition has been filed with the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to prosecute eight members of the "barcode gang" for their involvement in an election sabotage scheme. The charges include criminal conspiracy and sedition.
According to Thai News Agency, the Election Commission has also filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division against these individuals. Ms. A (pseudonym) submitted a letter at the Ministry of Justice requesting the prosecution of eight individuals for offenses under several charges, including conspiracy, disclosure of confidential documents, inciting public unrest, and violating the Computer Crime Act and the Election Commission Act.
The incident in question occurred on February 22, 2026, when the accused, along with accomplices, allegedly photographed ballot papers and stubs, attempting to decode barcodes and QR codes to link voter data. Their actions were reportedly aimed at undermining the election process and creating social unrest to pressure the Constitutional Court to invalidate the 2026 parliamentary election.
The Constitutional Court subsequently ruled that the use of barcodes and QR codes on ballot papers did not violate constitutional rights or freedoms. The Election Commission Office had tasked Mr. Krachit Charoeninth, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, to file a complaint against the individuals. A representative from the Ministry of Justice stated the matter would be forwarded to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and the DSI for further action.