The parliament grew tense as the Political Development Committee invited the Election Commission and citizens to reconcile over the lawsuit that silenced the investigation into the election in Chonburi's district 1, recommending compromise to preserve the organization's image.
On 17 Feb 2026 GMT+7 at the parliament, Senator Noraset Prachyakorn, chairman of the Political Development Committee on citizen participation, human rights, freedoms, and consumer protection in the Senate, announced the results after inviting the Election Commission and citizens involved in the Chonburi district 1 election disturbance to explain the case where the Election Commission filed charges against citizens who inspected the ballot box storage process.
Noraset revealed that after hearing information, both sides presented completely conflicting facts. The Election Commission insisted that the ballot boxes delivered to the collection site were securely sealed according to standards, but the citizens had evidence and photos clearly showing some boxes were sealed only with adhesive tape, lacking the official seals or signatures required by Election Commission regulations. This matter requires in-depth investigation to verify whether each unit's procedures were correct.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kanchit Charoen-in, deputy secretary-general of the Election Commission, explained to the committee that the Election Commission did not intend to harass or sue citizens but proceeded out of concern that officials might face counter-lawsuits for neglecting duties under Article 157. He admitted there may have been miscommunication through interviews exchanged previously. However, the decision to withdraw the lawsuit must be considered by the Chonburi Election Commission and reported back to the central Election Commission. The direction of today's discussion was seen as a positive sign.
Ms. Marisa Pidsaya, a lawyer from the Human Rights Center, stated she was willing to listen to the Election Commission's reasons but affirmed that the citizens acted according to their constitutional rights and duties to ensure transparency. Although the charges filed were "crimes against the state," which under law can proceed even if the complaint is withdrawn, if the Election Commission expresses an intention not to pursue the case by withdrawing the lawsuit, it will benefit the organization's image and facilitate finding a mutual resolution. The legal team will now meet with their clients to plan the defense and prove the truth to dispel public doubt.