Pisith Apiwatnapong leads the 'Blue Senators' in condemning Nakarin Mektrairat for using language that insults and diminishes the Senate, damaging its reputation. They criticize his baseless claim that Meechai Ruchuphan designed the Senate system and that it was a mistake, demanding Nakarin clarify to correct public misunderstanding.
At 10:00 a.m. on 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at the Parliament, Senator Pisith Apiwatnapong, along with some Blue Senators, held a press conference addressing former Constitutional Court President Nakarin Mektrairat's remarks on 7 Sep that the Senate's political legitimacy is low because it is selected internally by a system used nowhere else in the world. Nakarin claimed Meechai Ruchuphan, chairman of the 2017 Constitution drafting committee, admitted that the Senate's design was the greatest mistake by the committee. However, Meechai denied ever saying this or meeting Nakarin. The Senate believes Nakarin's statements directly harm both the Senate institution and Meechai. They communicated five key points to the public.
1. Nakarin's statements at the event insult and demean the Senate. His blanket assertion that the Senate's political legitimacy is low diminishes the dignity and credibility of the institution and its 200 members, who were selected according to the 2017 Constitution without consideration of individual qualifications or achievements. This Senate is not the drafter of the constitution or rule maker but comprises candidates selected through constitutionally prescribed processes. While system criticism is permissible, it should not generalize or degrade the entire Senate. The drafting committee's document clearly stated the new Senate selection under the 2017 Constitution emphasizes public participation without excessive cost, allowing candidates to elect among themselves, aligning with Meechai and the drafting committee's intent.
Pisith added, 2. Nakarin's claim is seriously questionable and factually incorrect because Meechai has denied ever saying or meeting Nakarin. As a senator, Pisith urges Nakarin to publicly clarify and present evidence of the alleged conversation. The senators delayed commenting until four days after the incident out of respect for Nakarin, expecting him to respond, but he has yet to do so.
3. Nakarin's false attribution of statements to Meechai could harm the reputations of Meechai and the 2017 drafting committee and mislead the public into thinking the constitution drafters admitted to errors. Given Meechai's denial and lack of any supporting evidence, such allegations constitute defamation or slander.
4. Nakarin's statements risk misleading the public into believing the current Senate lacks constitutional status or authority. In fact, all 200 senators assumed office through constitutionally and legally defined processes. Criticism should clearly distinguish between system issues and unjustly undermining the Senate's legitimacy and must not rely on unsubstantiated claims that misinform the public.
Finally, 5. Nakarin's inappropriate behavior raises doubts about his past roles, having held several key positions including a decade as Constitutional Court President. His statements carry weight with the public. If he believed the Senate system was problematic, why did he not raise concerns during his tenure when he had significant constitutional and institutional responsibilities? Issuing opinions later, attributing statements to others who deny them, is inappropriate and invites public questioning of his consistency, responsibility, and credibility.
If Nakarin views today’s politics as problematic and bleak, is he partly responsible given his judicial role? After all, he served as a Constitutional Court judge.
They call on Nakarin to be cautious with sweeping, degrading statements that damage the Senate and individuals' reputations and to respect citizens' rights. The Senate affirms that political and constitutional critique is a democratic right but must be based on facts, honesty, responsibility, and public accountability—not unfounded claims that harm individuals or state institutions,” Pisith stated.
Meanwhile, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatwatt Saengphet, a senator, said they have no comment on Nakarin's points except to urge him to reflect on himself first. Every organization, including Nakarin, derives authority from the current constitution. As a senior figure in key political institutions, Chatwatt refrains from further comment, leaving society to judge. The senators respect the rules of all organizations, including the DSI, the Election Commission, the 26th Subcommittee, and the 36th Inquiry Committee, and acknowledge their responsibilities as officials, especially amid current social currents regarding the credibility of officials providing official documents and public information.
He believes that when officials disclose information, mutual respect for rules and each other fosters national unity. He urges society to consider this carefully.