Sitthichot confirmed that the Senate election rigging case remains within the scheduled timeframe, with all seven charges under review. Individual votes are expected in the final week. Meanwhile, no sufficient evidence has been found to reopen the election fraud case involving the Amnat Charoen MP.
At 11:00 a.m. on 14 Aug 2026 at Centara Life Hotel, Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, Mr. Sitthichot Intharawiset, Election Commissioner, spoke about progress in the Senate rigging case, stating that all work is proceeding according to the set timeline. There is no delay expected, and all steps are being conducted precisely and as planned. In the final week, they expect to complete consideration of all charges and then move to the voting stage for decisions.
Mr. Sitthichot explained that the process involves the EC meeting to review each charge in detail. The first charge alone took nearly a full month of discussion. The charges are being considered one by one up to the seventh and final charge. Since each accused may be implicated in different charges, some facing multiple charges and others only one, the EC must carefully examine each charge's details before combining all information. After completing the last charge review, there will be a one-week recess allowing each commissioner to analyze all evidence and arguments carefully before reconvening to vote on individuals.
"The assessment of penalties has two levels: criminal penalties and cases where evidence does not reach criminal standards but there is reasonable belief that election fraud or unfairness occurred. The latter alone can be referred to the Supreme Court. After reviewing all charges, a one-week period will be given for commissioners to finalize their considerations before voting," Mr. Sitthichot said.
Asked about rumors that senators might escape punishment because most EC commissioners were appointed by the current Senate, and how the EC would respond if decisions dismissed complaints or penalized only some individuals, Mr. Sitthichot said that any decision to send cases to the Supreme Court or dismiss complaints must be well reasoned. The rulings will specify the grounds under committee 26, committee 36, or other reasons the EC finds relevant. Like court judgments, even if some disagree, reading the explanation will show if the decision is sound. He urged the public not to worry, as each commissioner must use their discretion responsibly and stand by their decisions.
When asked about public and opposition concerns regarding the Senate election process and reports of EC staff involvement in the MP election case, Mr. Sitthichot said the EC has seriously investigated these issues. Previously, he was assigned to handle investigations into MP elections in 2023, which involved complaints and additional inquiries in two provinces: Tak and Amnat Charoen.
Mr. Sitthichot added that the Tak case involved local elections with bribery allegations. The EC received complaints and established an investigation committee that confirmed misconduct by the staff member, leading to their dismissal. In Amnat Charoen, the same staff member was sent by central authorities to assist in MP election investigations, where bribery complaints also arose. Although the staff member had been dismissed in the first case, disciplinary procedures continued. The disciplinary committee preliminarily recommended dismissal, and the matter is now with the subcommittee for final approval, expected soon.
Mr. Sitthichot confirmed that regarding the MP election fraud complaints, the case handled by the same staff member showed financial transfers to the official from a third party, not the MP themselves. Currently, no new investigation has been opened targeting the MP due to insufficient forensic or testimonial evidence linking directly to them. Thus, no new case has been filed against the implicated MP, and the matter remains closed. The MP election case the staff member investigated has already been adjudicated regarding the election's validity.
Asked if the case involved government party leaders, Mr. Sitthichot said there were only witness allegations, which require supporting evidence. Sending all witness claims to court without corroborating evidence could lead to dismissal. Therefore, additional evidence is necessary to support such claims.
Regarding restoring the EC's public image amid accusations of case dismissal and corruption, Mr. Sitthichot said the EC depends on public trust. Any accusations must be eliminated. The EC must uphold honor, dignity, integrity, and courage in serving the country. Currently, efforts are underway to tighten and improve investigative procedures nationwide to enhance transparency and credibility.