Sawang led the deputy secretaries of the Election Commission to meet with the media, explaining the design of the election fraud prevention system. He stated they have not yet received a letter from the Constitutional Court requesting clarification on the barcode issue. Meanwhile, Chanin, chairman of the subcommittee investigating Senate vote-rigging, said he does not recall ever reaching any conclusions.
At 10:00 a.m. on 20 March 2026, Mr. Sawang Bunmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, met with the press to summarize the recent parliamentary election. He confirmed that the election system was designed for transparency and that no stage was opposed by the media. Importantly, the system was designed to prevent fraud; if any incidents occur, they can be investigated and corrected to ensure every vote counts. Contrary to accusations of vote tampering, candidates in each district are fully aware of their vote counts. However, the system needs future improvements to simultaneously report district-level votes for both constituency and party-list MPs. He admitted that errors in entering vote counts into the system might have occurred, which is why results could not be announced on 9 February, as vote verification at polling stations was necessary. Sawang emphasized that under this process, no data manipulation as alleged could occur.
Meanwhile, Lt. Pasakorn Siriphakayaporn, Deputy Secretary of the Election Commission, acknowledged the need to review the performance of polling station officers, who may have had some shortcomings. Similarly, Lt. Col. Chanin Noilek stated he is expediting the preparation of investigation files, aiming to complete inquiries into all 267 complaints within the set deadline.
Regarding the ballot case, Sawang said they are waiting to see what issues the court requires clarification on. He affirmed that they have performed their duties to ensure the election was honest, fair, and secret. What needs to be clarified is whether the law was properly followed. Currently, they have not received any documents. On whether a mock election will be conducted before the court, Sawang insisted that, to date, everything remains confidential and fully compliant with the law, affirming that they have fulfilled their responsibilities.
When asked why the group was sued with serious charges despite confidence that no one can know who voted for whom, Sawang said this is considered an effort to protect the process. According to the facts, it would require five to six people. He reiterated that the Election Commission's duty is to protect and safeguard the secrecy and accuracy of voting.
A reporter asked why the new ballots have barcodes. Sawang explained it is an effort to prevent fraud, using every method to ensure voting secrecy. “Those who verify do not have the duty to prove,” he said. Regarding whether ballots for the Bangkok governor election will have QR codes and barcodes, he said he cannot answer that at this time.
Sawang also addressed the Senate vote-rigging case, stating that it is currently in the stage of being presented to the Election Commission. He confirmed that no one knows the potential impact yet. Regarding concerns about the Commission's independence since its members were appointed by the blue Senate, Sawang responded that they must remain cautious in performing their duties.
Regarding the case where the subcommittee led by Lt. Col. Chanin previously concluded there was a basis for Senate vote-rigging, but later the 36th adjudicating committee reversed nearly all conclusions, Lt. Col. Chanin briefly replied that he does not recall what opinions were given and is still unaware of the 36th committee's final conclusions.