The Ombudsman Chairman revealed that they are currently gathering information and drafting a response for the Constitutional Court regarding the complaint about election ballots containing QR codes. He stated that the decision to hold a mock election booth is up to the court's discretion. Regarding requests for witnesses to appear in court, they are still considering the necessity first.
On 30 Mar 2026 at 10:00 AM at Asawin Grand Convention Hotel, Mr. Songsak Saicheua, Ombudsman Chairman, spoke about complaints concerning the election involving barcodes and QR codes, which allegedly undermine direct and secret voting, currently under the Constitutional Court's review. He said the case is now with the court. The Ombudsman has received evidence from parties who are not direct complainants. Officials are compiling the data, and the Ombudsman is reviewing it. The court requested the Ombudsman to submit a list of witnesses and evidence, and complainants want the Ombudsman to provide witness names to the Constitutional Court. He said they need to review the details first to assess the necessity because some information has already been provided to the court. They are open to considering any submitted data but cannot comment further yet, as the information arrived only a few days ago.
Mr. Songsak also updated on progress regarding other complaints about the 2026 election. He said they have reviewed several minor issues beyond barcodes and QR codes. Many complaints allege constitutional violations but do not mention infringement of rights and freedoms. They must examine these according to the law because the Ombudsman's authority covers only determining whether provisions of laws at the Act level conflict with the constitution. If the complaint concerns misconduct by state officials, it falls outside their jurisdiction unless it involves rights violations, as in cases they have already referred to the Constitutional Court.
When asked whether the Ombudsman proposed to the Constitutional Court to hold a mock election, Mr. Songsak said this is likely at the court's discretion, which will consider it through due process. The Ombudsman cannot interfere. Currently, they are drafting a response to submit to the Constitutional Court.
Asked if the complaint requests holding a mock election event, the Ombudsman Chairman said some who submitted information are complainants, and others are not. They need to review the details first as officials are still compiling and analyzing the issues involved. Therefore, they cannot provide an answer at this time.