Senator Nantana defended citizens after the Chonburi Election Commission filed charges against them for intruding to open ballot boxes in District 1, stating that citizens were inspecting, not obstructing.
On 17 February 2026 at the parliament, Senator Nantana Nantawaropas spoke about the progress in investigating issues in the District 1 election in Chonburi. She noted that the Chonburi Election Commission had filed charges against citizens who inspected the election process, accusing them of intrusion and obstructing officials. However, the parliamentary committee found the facts contradicted these charges, observing that the ballot boxes in question were not sealed according to regulations but had been left open beforehand. The citizens only wanted to highlight the lax and flawed handling by the Election Commission officials. Moreover, no documents or ballots were removed from the site. She said it was improper and unfair for the Election Commission to use the law to silence citizens helping to ensure transparency.
Senator Nantana also warned about the important session on 26 February, when the Senate will hold an extraordinary meeting to consider approving two additional Election Commission members. She pointed out that if the motion passes, the current Election Commission will have five members appointed by this Senate out of seven total.
"If these two are approved, it will immediately create a majority within this independent body. Society must question the connection between how these individuals are appointed and the election outcomes that will follow, asking whether independence and transparency can truly be maintained," Senator Nantana concluded.