Lawyer Aun hesitated when addressing the issue of the People’s Party collecting Laser ID data, stating he is less concerned about citizen data leaks than with election cards. He declined to comment on whether this was appropriate, citing a lack of IT knowledge, and deferred to party members to provide clear explanations and resolve any doubts.
On 18 Feb 2026 GMT+7, at the Election Commission office, Mr. Phattharaphong Suphaksorn, also known as Lawyer Aun from Buriram, spoke about a matter currently under public scrutiny. As someone who filed a complaint requesting investigation and in his capacity as a lawyer, he was asked for his views on the People’s Party collecting the Laser ID found on the back of citizens’ ID cards during party membership registration. Lawyer Aun appeared hesitant, laughing lightly before responding that he had seen the party explain that this practice is not exclusive to them; government agencies and private sector businesses also do this. He admitted he lacks knowledge in this area and feared that commenting might be seen as favoring one political side or another.
When asked if people are worried about whether this data collection can truly remain confidential, since a leak could be harmful, Mr. Phattharaphong said he is less concerned than with election cards. Regarding the election card issue, there are allegations that the printing company awarded the TOR contract did not do the work themselves but subcontracted to a company reportedly linked to Mr. Kim Liak. It is said that while Thailand has counted 94% of votes, Cambodia already has access to this information. The Election Commission, if unaware of how vote counting will proceed, has remained at 94% since 14 Feb with no further counting or movement. He suggested that Election Commission staff call the Cambodian embassy in Thailand to inquire and request the vote data.
"It is said that Cambodia already knows the results of Thailand's election. Why? Because the printing company belongs to Kim Liak, who is allegedly disclosing the data in Cambodia. If this report is true, I am indeed concerned," he said.
When reporters asked Lawyer Aun to explain how his concern about Laser ID data leakage is less than that for election cards and whether political parties conducting such data collection should be investigated, Mr. Phattharaphong explained that his lower concern stems from his own experience voting. He clarified he is not a member of either the Move Forward Party or the People’s Party or any political party. From a general public perspective, those who are not party members need not worry much. He urged party members to demand clear explanations from their parties until all doubts are resolved. He reiterated that he does not possess deep IT engineering knowledge to answer such questions fully.
When pressed again about concerns over potential data leaks, Mr. Phattharaphong said that as an outsider, he does not feel confident to criticize the matter.
Regarding whether collecting Laser ID data is appropriate since other political parties do not do so, Mr. Phattharaphong noted he has sometimes observed unusual actions from the People’s Party since their first volume of activities. They may have an intention to promote transparency, similar to the case of Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, former leader of the Future Forward Party, who lent money to his party. No other parties did this, but he argued it was to promote transparency in lending. Ultimately, the Constitutional Court ruled it impermissible. When such rulings occur, it becomes unfortunate for the party involved. It remains uncertain whether the so-called 'Orange coalition' has a chance to form a government, especially since Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, has declared otherwise. If Mr. Natthapong is no longer present, and the party is dissolved, members may disperse. He personally does not know and leaves it for everyone to consider themselves.
Reporters noted that after completing his interview, Mr. Phattharaphong immediately left the press area, unlike previous occasions when he filed complaints and stayed to speak with the media and answer additional questions about unresolved issues.