Akardet questions whether Theng’s invitation for citizens to march and pressure the Election Commission is appropriate, and whether accusations of unfairness will arise if the results are unfavorable. He stresses that independent organizations must decide based on evidence and law, not pressure.
On 9 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Akardet Wongpitakroj, MP for Ratchaburi from Bhumjaithai Party, commented on Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, list MP from the People’s Party and opposition leader in the House of Representatives, who invited citizens to join a march to pressure the Election Commission (EC) regarding the Senate vote-rigging investigation. He said such actions should not occur and questioned their appropriateness given the status of a party leader and opposition head, since the matter is currently under the EC’s process, an independent constitutional body.
Akardet said the EC’s consideration of any case or allegation should be based on evidence, facts, law, and justice. It should not be influenced by political or public pressure. When an independent organization is performing its duties, all parties should respect the process and allow the EC to exercise its discretion fully.
"When the opposition leader, who is also a party head, invites citizens to march to pressure the EC, I believe the public should question whether this is appropriate. This is not an oversight mechanism but an attempt to pressure the independent body currently examining the case," Akardet said.
He added that if those leading the movement claim to seek justice and oppose interference in the investigation, they should consider whether their actions contradict those statements. Marching to pressure the EC to act or decide in a particular way inevitably raises questions about whether it pressures the justice process.
"They say they want justice and no interference, yet at the same time invite citizens to march to pressure the EC to decide a certain way. Isn't this contradictory? Is this justice?" Akardet asked.
Akardet also noted that if the EC’s final decision does not meet the expectations of the political side or movement organizers, what will happen? Will accusations arise that the EC’s decision is unfair or the process flawed? If so, this would further indicate that the prior movement was an attempt to pressure the decision.
Akardet emphasized he does not oppose investigation into the Senate vote-rigging case; if wrongdoing is found, legal action should follow. However, all parties must accept the same rules: decisions must be evidence-based, wrongdoers punished, and the innocent treated fairly. Regardless of the outcome, political actors should respect the independent body’s duties.