Kittisak Rattanawara, former senator, warned that anyone violating the barcode issue on election ballots should prepare for imprisonment. He boasted that some Election Commission (EC) members were personally appointed by him and questioned whether their conduct was proper, emphasizing that laws govern their actions.
On 17 Feb 2026 at 14:00 GMT+7, at the Election Commission office, Kittisak Rattanawara, former senator, accompanied the candidate for mayor of Phongam Municipality, Prachantakham District, Prachinburi Province, to submit a request to the EC to review the qualifications of the winner of the mayoral election held on 15 Feb 2026. The opposing candidate has had assets frozen by various agencies but allegedly transferred benefits such as salary payments to their own associates, leading other candidates to believe that facts about eligibility were concealed, constituting tax evasion and disqualification as a mayoral candidate.
Kittisak added that other candidates who feel unfairly treated can file complaints with him directly or through other channels, and he will help coordinate. He emphasized that in a democracy, from subdistrict administrative organizations to municipalities, processes should be correct, transparent, and verifiable. Candidates lacking qualifications undermine fundamental democracy and should be removed.
Kittisak then invited the media to ask about his views on the EC's performance in national elections. He said he saw the same problems as the media; he thinks as they do. He mentioned that some EC members were appointed by him personally but questioned whether they act properly once in office. He reminded that laws exist, noting that some former EC members have been imprisoned. If they follow laws and regulations, there should be no problems. Ultimately, the law will decide what is right or wrong.
When asked about concerns regarding election ballots containing barcodes and QR codes, Kittisak said this is an interesting issue. Some legal experts have already commented on the extent and implications of barcodes. He urged waiting for investigation results to determine if the election process was secret or not. If it is found that voter secrecy was breached, those who inserted barcodes into ballots must be held accountable.
"I served in parliament for 10 years, and laws state that ballots should not contain extraneous elements. We need to see whether barcodes or other additions on ballots for MPs are lawful. I cannot yet make a final judgment, but if wrongdoing is found, those responsible should be prepared," said Kittisak.
Asked if violators could face imprisonment, Kittisak responded immediately, "Definitely." He recalled a time when ballot boxes were oriented incorrectly, leading to election cancellations and criminal charges. The severity depends on the offense.
When asked if he worries about public unrest, Kittisak said he does not expect severe reactions but suggested watching the weather conditions. If people see that the election is dirty or unfair, it could cause problems. He urged the media to observe the weather for signs like lightning or storms.
When asked to clarify, Kittisak explained to watch for storms or lightning. He recalled that he once predicted no election would occur, but that was proven wrong as elections went ahead. However, the public has seen agencies suggesting the election might be annulled due to lack of secrecy and various issues. As a citizen, he is watching closely, much like the media and the public.