Somchai challenges the Election Commission (EC) to disclose the six individuals being sued, criticizing them for merely releasing rumors aimed at intimidating citizens who expose wrongdoing. He highlights their secretive, covert behavior as fear of counter-lawsuits under Section 157 of the Penal Code.
On 28 February 2026, Mr. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, former Election Commissioner, posted on Facebook stating that the EC’s filing of complaints against citizens is a tactic to stir public sentiment and intimidate those exposing the EC’s misconduct. He referred to the EC’s press release No. 196/2569 dated 27 February 2026, consisting of three pages, which explained that the EC’s complaint to the Crime Suppression Division was not to sue citizens or intimidate the media, but to file against groups and conspirators involved, citing six reasons.
1. Obstructing the work of the Election Commission.
2. Illegally scanning barcodes to access information about voters’ choices.
3. The EC has never prosecuted citizens except those with dishonest intent.
4. The individuals notified appeared publicly and have evidence of jointly presenting information.
5. Those who did not appear had scheduled meetings with groups to reveal their actions in public forums.
6. Social media rumors caused disorder, posing a threat to national security.
Somchai stated that none of the six individuals’ names are mentioned in any documents; only rumors have been spread on social media to intimidate and threaten citizens with serious criminal accusations. This aims to diminish scrutiny of the EC’s misconduct, which is increasingly being exposed. Withholding the names resembles cowardly, covert attacks motivated by fear of counter-lawsuits under Section 157. Once the official complaint information is known, the EC should disclose the names openly. They should not be overly fearful if confident in their accusations. However, if the complaint is false, counter-legal actions will be taken immediately by at least nine people, both criminal and costly civil cases.