Bangkok: Political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has extended his support to the Election Commission’s decision to conduct a two-day investigation in Chonburi, amidst growing public unrest and demands for a nationwide vote recount. The tension escalated as citizens, along with a monk, gathered outside the Election Commission office, with the situation nearly boiling over into a confrontation.
According to Thai News Agency, Sonthiya visited the Election Commission office to submit a formal complaint, bringing evidence in response to his earlier request for extending the election deadline. The commission had addressed his concerns, focusing on two critical points. Sonthiya highlighted the scale of the general election held on February 8th, which involved nearly 100,000 polling stations, over 52 million eligible voters, and cost more than 8.7 billion baht. He has been actively reporting voter fraud and addressing issues like vote buying, even filing charges against individuals in Samut Sakhon Province. Despite being cautioned by those registering ballots about the potential risks due to his investigative work, Sonthiya remains committed to the cause.
Mr. Sanyasanya, another notable figure, clarified that he has no personal connections with individuals in Chonburi. He emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions and legal processes in demanding electoral rights. The letter submitted by Sonthiya urged the Election Commission to adhere to legal procedures as outlined in the Organic Law on the Election of Members of Parliament and the Emergency Decree on Political Parties, ensuring the smooth formation of a government.
Sonthiya also encouraged the commission to diligently investigate and address legal violations, commending the decision to allow a two-day investigation in Chonburi Province’s District 1. He believes this will ensure transparency and accountability, especially in polling stations with credible evidence of irregularities, preventing potential national issues if the election fails to result in a government formation.
Expressing skepticism about the Bhumjaithai Party’s influence with 290+ votes, Sonthiya drew parallels to historical figures like former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, suggesting that corruption could undermine political stability. He appealed to the People’s Party to reconsider their stance to avoid potential dissolution complaints, emphasizing that the errors found in approximately 18-20 polling stations were minimal compared to the total number of stations.
As the public’s role in election outcomes remains pivotal, Sonthiya asserted their constitutional duty to challenge results lawfully. The expectation is that within 60 days, the Election Commission will likely disqualify 30-50 parliamentary candidates.
During a press conference, Sonthiya was confronted by a monk, Phra Peen Sao, questioning his allegiance to democracy or dictatorship. Sonthiya’s response highlighted the absence of a dictatorial group and the necessity for a collaborative, lawful approach to resolve election issues, ensuring justice for all. To prevent escalation, officials escorted him inside the office.
The situation outside turned chaotic as the crowd demanded a recount, leading to a tense standoff with building staff and police. The crowd’s dissatisfaction was further fueled by claims of electricity and water cuts that hindered their ability to set up a rally stage. Despite the heightened tensions, police were limited in their capacity to disperse the gathering due to jurisdictional constraints within the government complex.