iLaw rallied civil society to stage sports activities in front of the Election Commission Office, pressuring the commission to prosecute 229 individuals accused in the Senate election collusion case. “Ice Cream” joined forces with People’s Party MPs and “Chor” to show support, while Yingcheep called on Thais to launch a social media war during this dangerous two-week period, with the final rally set for 13 September.
On 30 Aug 2026 at 14:29 GMT+7, in front of the Election Commission Office, the People’s Network, Internet for People’s Law (iLaw), and the Human Rights Lawyers Association, led by iLaw Director Yingcheep Atchanont and Ms. Phatsarawadee Thanakitwiboon (Mind), held a “Sports Day at the Election Commission” event featuring three activities: a badminton championship, a blue ball toss into a box, and a sky running event covering 2.29 km. The event demanded that the Election Commission vote to prosecute the 229 individuals named in the investigation report of Subcommittee 26 related to the Senate election collusion case, and bring them before the Supreme Court. The group called for the commission to act as an independent body that balances power, prioritizes national interest, protects citizens’ rights and freedoms, and remains free from political influence. The event was supported by Prasit Vacharasinthu, party-list MP and deputy leader of the People’s Party; Chayaphol Sathondee, Bangkok MP for constituency 8, People’s Party; Panika Wanich, spokesperson of the Progressive Movement; former Senate candidates; and many supporters. At 15:30 GMT+7, protesters formed the number 229 to demand justice in the collusion case before ending the event peacefully.
Yingcheep Atchanont, iLaw Director, stated that their sole demand is for the Election Commission to prosecute all 229 accused individuals. The rest should be handled by the courts, marking the conclusion of civil society’s mission. However, if the commission fails to prosecute anyone, iLaw will publicly disclose information they hold on those individuals. He warned any ministers worried about being exposed in the investigation to promptly ask the Election Commission to prosecute them. Yingcheep affirmed that they want all information revealed in court proceedings. He emphasized that civil society possesses not only 90,000 pages of documents but much more, and if the commission prosecutes no one, iLaw will release everything. Additionally, he urged citizens in all provinces to scrutinize their local senators and send information to iLaw until the commission makes its decision.
“Last Friday, the Election Commission issued a press release stating it will vote on 14 September 2026. This is a critical time, like extra time in a game, when injuries or unexpected events can occur and goals can be scored by either side. I urge citizens not to blink an eye; anything can happen in the country. There may be distracting news—do not lose hope or become weary. I understand the volume of information about who called whom, who paid whom, who took whom to meetings—it is extensive. I invite anyone with information about vote-buying or polling locations to send it in; we are still collecting data. I also encourage everyone to express themselves through all channels, especially social media, by posting statuses or using the hashtag #ProsecuteSenate229,” Yingcheep said.
Yingcheep added that until 13 September, he asks citizens to think about activities that can communicate their message to the Election Commission, so everyone can join together for a final event on Sunday, 13 September, to demand prosecution of the senators and their election collusion networks. He invited people to propose ideas to iLaw for final decision-making.
