The Election Commission resolved to indict 77 individuals involved in collusion related to the current Senate, including eligible Senate voters and others connected. Prime Minister Anutin, Newin, Bhumjaithai MPs, and party executives were cleared of all charges.
On 14 Sep 2026 at 15:50 GMT+7, at the Election Commission Office, Narong Klunwarin, Chairman of the Election Commission, and Acting Lt. Pasakorn Siripakayaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, held a press conference announcing the Commission's findings on the investigation into the Senate election.
Lt. Pasakorn outlined the timeline of obtaining Senate members, noting the Commission had received 610 complaints and resolved all but 17, and had criminally prosecuted 1,767 ineligible Senate candidates. He explained the establishment of the 26th and 36th Central Investigation and Inquiry Committees, stating these were formed upon receiving complaints to compare findings. He confirmed the final decision rests with the Election Commission, which may differ from committee opinions as these serve only as part of the Commission's deliberation.
Regarding the first allegation under Section 76, Paragraph 1, involving 20 political party executives, MPs, and political officeholders plus one other person (21 in total), the Election Commission decided not to file charges with the Supreme Court.
For the second allegation under Section 76, Paragraph 2, concerning candidates who accepted assistance from party executives, political officeholders, MPs, local council members, or local executives to be elected as Senators—comprising 137 current Senators, one reserve Senator on the list, and two eligible Senate voters (140 total)—the Commission decided not to file charges with the Supreme Court.
The third allegation under Section 36, Paragraph 1 combined with Section 70, regarding improper self-introduction methods and conditions set by the Commission, involved 137 current Senators. The Commission decided to file charges against 26 of them with the Supreme Court, but not against one reserve Senator. Of two eligible voters, charges were filed against one. For 20 party executives, MPs, and political officeholders, no charges were filed. Among 15 other related accused individuals, charges were filed against nine, totaling 36 indictments to the Supreme Court.
Allegations four through seven under Section 77, Paragraph 1, Clause 1 involve promises or offers of benefits; Clause 3 covers hosting or providing meals; and Section 76 concerns soliciting or receiving benefits; Section 81 covers accepting money, property, or other benefits punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 10 years or fines from 20,000 to 200,000 baht or both, plus disqualification from voting rights for 20 years; also punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 5 years or fines from 20,000 to 100,000 baht or both, plus 10-year disqualification.
The Commission resolved to indict 26 current Senators with the Supreme Court for allegations four to seven; no charges were filed against reserve Senators. Among eligible Senate voters, 36 were indicted. No charges were filed against MPs and political officeholders, but 15 other individuals were indicted, totaling 77 indictments for these allegations.
Narong stated that due to high public interest, he wanted to hold a joint press conference with the media and public to explain matters clearly, asserting that the Commission members acted independently and within the legal framework. He detailed that when complaints and objections arise, the Commission conducts inquiries and examines all evidence, including witness testimony, forensic data, and communications, without bias or social pressure. He emphasized the Commission's independence but said individual voting records could not be disclosed.
The Election Commission's press conference started 50 minutes late. Lt. Pasakorn explained this was to verify data accuracy. Prior to the conference, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, visited the Commission's office for discussions after deploying around 200 officers to secure the area.
Photo credit: Ekalak Mainoi