Lawyer Aun Buriram urged the Election Commission Secretary to resign over errors in managing advance voting. He admitted to releasing an audio clip of politicians himself, insisting it is genuine and unedited. He expressed concern it might be part of a malicious plan to undermine democracy and the constitutional monarchy.
On 3 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Patrapong Supakorn, known as Lawyer Aun Buriram, went to the Election Commission (EC) office to demand that Mr. Saweang Boonmee, the EC Secretary, resign to take responsibility for mistakes in managing advance voting. He brought evidence including an audio clip of politicians discussing support for the Blue Party with local politicians.
Mr. Patrapong admitted he was the one who released the politicians’ conversation clip, which had drawn widespread criticism. He said he felt hopeless and disillusioned with the Thai political system due to suspicions and doubts. Most painful to him was that the audio revealed plans to seize power, possibly undermining democracy or plotting to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. He questioned how the EC would handle this national-level issue, criticizing them for remaining indifferent and avoiding the press. He also asked if Mr. Saweang would face consequences.
Mr. Patrapong acknowledged there were misunderstandings in society about the audio clip, such as whether it was AI-generated or edited. He explained he is just a rural lawyer without special expertise. The clip was actually a screen recording of a three-way meeting, including phone numbers, with ample supporting information and images from the meeting location. Some may think Lawyer Aun came to attack Mr. Saweang again, but he insisted he came as a citizen to urge Mr. Saweang to feel ashamed and resign voluntarily.
Mr. Patrapong stated the EC has authority under the 2017 Organic Act on Elections, Section 55(5), requiring the EC Secretary to possess knowledge, expertise, and benefit the commission. However, since the last elections in 2019 and 2023, and the Senate election controversy which remains unresolved, plus ongoing issues with distributing referendum and advance voting materials, it has been wasteful. As the owner of this 'waste,' he said Mr. Saweang Boonmee should no longer be allowed to remain in the position.
The EC must hold Mr. Saweang Boonmee accountable for past election mistakes. Keeping him raises suspicions about his integrity, as the public sees no merits. From the EC’s perspective, Mr. Saweang might be seen as someone who just finishes tasks superficially, like a monkey grabbing bananas. If he is not removed, the EC will face problems. With the next election just 4-5 days away, there should be no EC Secretary named "Saweang Boonmee" causing trouble. Mr. Patrapong hopes Mr. Saweang will take social responsibility and resign.
Regarding calls on social media to impeach the EC and return election management powers to the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Patrapong said this social phenomenon reflects public frustration with the EC and independent organizations. However, with the 2017 Constitution in effect, they must work together to approve and support the current system.