The "Free Citizens" group gathered to demand the Election Commission conduct a nationwide recount of the election votes to prove transparency. Meanwhile, the Senate's Political Development Committee plans to summon the Chonburi Election Commission Director to explain issues related to the Chonburi Constituency 1 election on 17 February.
On 14 February at 5:00 p.m., in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre at Pathumwan, a group of "Free Citizens" and "Recount Chonburi Group," led by Isariya Chaimontree, leader of the Free Citizens, and Teeramet Chaibut, leader of the Thalugas group, held a protest against the Election Commission (EC) for managing the 2026 general election without transparency or regard for the people. They demanded the EC conduct a nationwide recount of the parliamentary election votes, as the public perceives the election lacked the expected transparency. They called for a new count across the country to restore trust in democracy. The protest attracted significant public attention. Demonstrators displayed images evidencing alleged election irregularities and public concerns regarding parliamentary ballots, barcodes, and QR codes. They laid out banners for attendees to write messages to the EC and held speeches criticizing the EC’s use of over 7 billion baht for the election, resulting in nationwide public distrust. Musical performances by pro-democracy artists accompanied the event, which proceeded peacefully under the security oversight of officers from Pathumwan Police Station.
Kantapat Matbratthaeo, a coalition member of the group, said the event sought justice following the recent election. He stated that the EC’s conduct had raised public doubts about its duties, prompting a demand for the EC to take responsibility by conducting a nationwide vote recount.
The Chonburi Election Commission Director is set to be summoned on 17 February to clarify issues regarding the Chonburi Constituency 1 election.
Tevarit Maneechai, a senator and spokesperson for the Senate’s Political Development and Public Participation Committee, revealed that this election has suspicious elements, which the public has the right to question amid widespread distrust. On 17 February at 10:00 a.m., the committee will summon the Election Commission Director for Chonburi Constituency 1, the Chonburi Provincial EC Director, citizens who have been reported for legal action, and lawyers to provide information. This follows concerns that citizens may be sued to silence them, creating fear. It appears reversed, as the EC’s primary goal should be fairness and integrity, not seeking victory. The public wants assurance that the votes counted are truly theirs. Instead, the EC has filed lawsuits against citizens. The committee hopes to find ways to support the EC’s mission involving public participation rather than fostering an atmosphere of fear.
Additionally, Tevarit urged the public and media to monitor the upcoming Senate extraordinary session scheduled for 26 February 2026, which will consider approval of two more EC commissioners. He noted that the current Senate has already approved three commissioners, so approving two more would mean five out of seven commissioners have been endorsed amid a crisis of public trust. He plans to request a delay of the approval vote, arguing that there is no need to rush into such a decision, as it would only deepen distrust.
Photo: Saran Pongsawat
