The Secretary-General of the Election Commission emphasized that the EC fights with the truth and disregards Somchai's threat to counter-sue for defamation. He pointed out that filing complaints against six citizens aims to protect the election process, not to defend themselves, and affirmed no withdrawal of lawsuits against those disrupting the election in Chonburi District 1.
On 16 May 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Chonburi Province, Saewang Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), spoke about submitting clarifications to the Constitutional Court regarding the case involving ballots with barcodes and QR codes. He explained that the EC, as the respondent, received a letter from the Constitutional Court last week instructing them to submit witness statements within 15 days. Currently, five witnesses are preparing their statements: four are legal experts or individuals involved in drafting the constitution, and one is a technology specialist. We rely on truth and operate under public scrutiny, abiding by the law. We await the court's decision.
When asked about the progress of the EC filing complaints against six citizens—since three months have passed without charges being filed—Saewang explained that the EC has lodged complaints, and the case is now with investigators handling the process to proceed with formal accusations. He noted that the case's course is unlikely to change. The actions aim to protect the election process, not to defend the EC personally. The EC has the duty to ensure elections run smoothly, so any interference must be addressed. The complaints are not merely reactions to defamation against the EC.
Regarding Somchai and his group planning to file defamation charges against the EC next week, Saewang said the EC is frequently sued. Concerning the We Watch group's demand to withdraw lawsuits against citizens protesting the election in Chonburi District 1, he reiterated that these actions protect the election process, which belongs to the people, not the EC. The EC's role is to ensure the election is conducted properly, and all citizens must abide by the law.