“Itim Parit” is preparing to join the iLaw rally on 13 September, pointing out that the Election Commission (EC) should file charges but not act as a court itself, and affirming that the People’s Party never nominated a candidate for Sing Buri Provincial Administrative Organization chief.
2 September 2026 GMT+7 Parit Watcharasindhu Member of Parliament (MP) from the People’s Party (PP) by party list and chair of the opposition coalition coordination committee (opposition whip) spoke at the parliament, emphasizing the call for the Election Commission (EC) to file charges against 229 accused individuals in the senator election rigging case. He urged the EC to file charges with the court so the court can judge each case, stating the EC should not act as a court at this stage.
When asked if the People’s Party would join the protest to pressure the EC on 13 September, Parit said our work runs parallel with civil society. We will participate in activities that align with our demands.
When further asked about Yingcheep Atchanon, project manager of Internet Law for People (iLaw), who called for a large gathering on 13 September, Parit revealed the main demand is consistent: to have the EC file charges against the 229 individuals with the court. Whether any of the 229 are guilty should be decided by the court. Another reason is questioning the EC’s impartiality.
It cannot be denied that four out of seven EC commissioners were appointed by senators (SEN) who are mostly involved in the case. This raises concerns about conflicts of interest and political interference, undermining their independence. The best solution is for the EC to file charges with the court, which can act as a neutral arbitrator.
Regarding the case where Senator Chiwapap Chewatham revealed that senators from the people’s group met at the same venue and only one person paid for the coffee, Parit said if there is evidence about any senator candidate, regardless of group affiliation, the same standards should apply.
As for the details provided by Chiwapap, the best person to address this is MP Chayaphol Sathondee from Bangkok, People’s Party, who presented this information. Chiwapap confirmed the trip to a hotel in Nakhon Nayok province and admitted some money transfers, which is the public’s right to hear both sides.
When asked about approaching Chiwapap to run for Sing Buri Provincial Administrative Organization chief under the People’s Party banner, but he did not come due to involvement in his mother’s spiritual leader case, Parit said he was not aware of this but to his knowledge the People’s Party never nominated any candidate for Sing Buri provincial chief.
Regarding questions about the opposition leaders’ forum where personal scandals were mocked, Parit said the forum tries to focus on substantive issues but cannot control every statement made by participants.