Kaewsarn invites examination of the 'elephant' in the Senate vote-rigging case, comparing the 'Blue Elephant' and 'Orange Elephant.' He raises observations on political issues and the Senate election system under the 2017 Constitution, emphasizing that election management is the direct responsibility of the Election Commission (EC).","tags":["politics","election","Senate","vote-rigging","Election Commission"]
19 Sep 2026 GMT+7","tags":["date"] Kaewsarn Atipothi, an independent academic,"tags":["person","academic"] published an article titled","tags":["publication","article"] "The Real 'Elephant' in the Senate Vote-Rigging Case."","tags":["article title","Senate vote-rigging"] He raised observations about the Senate vote-rigging case, suggesting that behind the case there may be political conflicts and issues related to the Senate election system under the 2017 Constitution."tags":["politics","constitutional law","Senate election"]
Regarding the Election Commission (EC) having differing opinions, the EC majority believes there is insufficient evidence to prosecute the Bhumjaithai Party, while the minority sees the evidence as clear enough. Kaewsarn noted that the case evidence includes lists of candidates, some with overwhelming votes, meetings or appointments before voting, phone contacts between Bhumjaithai members in various provinces and candidates, and allegations of money payments."tags":["Election Commission","evidence","Bhumjaithai Party","vote-rigging"]
He compared that if each piece of evidence is considered separately, it is like 'blindly feeling an elephant'—finding only a 'trunk' may not reveal it is an elephant, or seeing an 'ivory tusk' might not identify the animal. But combining all evidence creates a whole picture revealing an 'elephant,' as only an elephant has both a trunk and tusks. This concept explains why the EC minority concluded the evidence shows an 'elephant' or a rigging scheme dominated by Bhumjaithai, leading to an unfair and dishonest Senate election."tags":["metaphor","evidence","vote-rigging","Election Commission"]
Regarding the EC majority, Kaewsarn said they found problems with many pieces of evidence, especially allegations that Mr. N. and Mr. A. met with the 'Blue Elephant' Senate group at a hotel, which they found not credible. The evidence of many phone calls lacked clarity about the content of conversations. Meetings to rehearse were unclear in occurrence and content, and the money trail evidence was seen as unreliable by the majority."tags":["Election Commission","evidence disputes","vote-rigging"]
Kaewsarn said the next step is to await the Supreme Court’s decision on which side is correct. The court cannot rule beyond the submitted requests. The EC believes 77 individuals committed offenses warranting disqualification before submitting the case for court review. Under the accusatory system, the court can seek additional evidence but cannot add defendants, as election management is the direct responsibility of the EC. The court’s role is to ensure fairness to the accused."tags":["Supreme Court","legal process","Election Commission"]
Asked whether the EC majority could face future corruption charges, Kaewsarn said that merely assessing evidence as reasonable or not does not lead to corruption cases; clear proof of dishonesty or corrupt intent is required. He likened the case’s conclusion to the song “Elephant, elephant, have you ever seen an elephant?” lasting indefinitely."tags":["corruption","legal analysis","Election Commission"]
Kaewsarn further revealed that the EC currently holds a case accusing the 'orange' party of Senate vote-rigging and expects to order the case soon. Reports mention evidence of a meeting with over 300 Senate candidates in the Jupiter Room at Muang Thong Thani on voting day, and Facebook posts by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Progressive Movement, urging dismantling the military-backed constitution and leading true democracy. Some elected orange Senate members admitted meetings occurred but claimed they were honest efforts driven by ideals to overthrow authoritarian systems."tags":["Election Commission","orange party","vote-rigging","political activism"]},{