Police General Kittirat Phanphet, National Police Chief, confirmed that police have not received any orders targeting the Orange or Red parties; actions are based on evidence. Regarding vote-buying issues on social media, he welcomes information from everyone, noting that currently no formal complaints have been filed.
On 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, National Police Chief, spoke about recent developments after the Ministry of Justice launched operations arresting candidates for the House of Representatives allegedly involved in drug networks and gambling websites. He said the arrests of two individuals were based on investigative information and evidence concerning drug and gambling offenses. The Narcotics Suppression Bureau and Cyber Police have been conducting investigations and legal proceedings for some time. As to whether more candidates or parties are involved, he stated he has not received any coordination from the Ministry of Justice.
However, as society questions whether the arrests target opposition political parties, he affirmed that the police have never been political tools and do not focus on any side. The incidents concern actual offenses committed by individuals or political parties and must be handled according to law. The police have not received orders from anyone.
Regarding recent social media reports about vote-buying during the 2026 election, he confirmed the National Police Office has not received any specific coordination from agencies, nor have any formal complaints been filed. The Election Commission's office has not contacted them either.
Nonetheless, this period involves preparing plans to maintain order related to election management and clarifying police duties, such as overseeing ballot boxes. Reports about vote-buying rates have surfaced, but no clear complaints have been received. Anyone with information can provide it at police stations. There have been no reports of violence in any election areas. The investigation team is gathering intelligence data.