Nattapong announced that the Prachachon Party is preparing to file a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against the entire Election Commission on 25 Sept. over alleged misconduct and neglect of duty related to ordering prosecutions in the Senate election case. The party criticized the appointment of Piya to lead the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), fearing it could be an attempt to obstruct the case to benefit the government.
On 23 September 2026, Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the Prachachon Party, along with Parit Watcharasindhu, party-list MP, announced that the party will submit a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) requesting an investigation and prosecution of all seven Election Commissioners for misconduct or neglect of duty, alleging abuse of power and improper discretion in investigating corruption in the Senate member election.
Nattapong said that monitoring the Election Commission’s work revealed behavior that appears improper and possibly violates several laws, including Section 234 of the Constitution, Section 172 of the Organic Act on the NACC, Section 69 of the Organic Act on the Election Commission, and Section 157 of the Criminal Code. The petition’s main points are divided into two key issues.
The first issue concerns the Election Commission’s resolution on 14 September, which rejected considering collective misconduct as a process. Instead, the Commission insisted on reviewing cases individually, despite clear evidence that the actions formed a systemic process potentially involving political office holders.
Moreover, the Election Commission ignored key evidence such as vote-buying lists, contradicting its own precedent of prosecuting based on LINE app chat evidence of vote trading. In this case, there is even more evidence, yet it was neglected. The Commission also cited witness Egkarat Changlao’s retracted testimony to dismiss charges, raising concerns that this may benefit political office holders.
The second issue involves the Election Commission’s actions prior to the resolution, which suggest deliberate neglect or tacit approval of corruption. This includes issuing regulations that facilitated vote-buying by assigning candidates the same numbers for morning and afternoon rounds, making it easier to prepare vote-buying lists. The Commission also failed to properly verify candidate qualifications and neglected duties on election day. The party plans to personally submit the petition to the NACC this Friday.
Regarding whether all seven commissioners will be charged, Nattapong said the party initially intends to file complaints against all involved. The petition to the NACC requests the formation of an investigative panel to examine facts and conduct. It is then the NACC’s duty to determine guilt. The petition seeks to show the NACC a comprehensive picture of the process, emphasizing that the actions cannot be considered isolated incidents but represent clear corrupt behavior when viewed as a whole.
When asked if this will be the sole topic for the opposition’s no-confidence debate, Nattapong said the actions are separate. He advised direct victims, such as Senate candidates or alternates, that they have the option to appeal directly to the courts. Since the Prachachon Party is not a direct victim under the law, it cannot use that route and must proceed through the NACC only.
Parit added that the reason for filing against all seven Election Commissioners is that the Commission has never disclosed individual voting results on whether each commissioner voted to prosecute or not for each allegation, only releasing vote totals. Therefore, it is necessary to file against all seven so the NACC can investigate the facts. The party’s legal team is also considering whether to file charges against members of the 36th Investigation Subcommittee, which under Section 69 of the Organic Act on Senate Election includes subcommittee members. This subcommittee’s majority vote of approximately 5 to 2, including Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya, recommended no one be prosecuted, a position that contradicts legal principles, the evidence publicized, and the findings of the 16th investigative panel.
Regarding the Cabinet’s appointment of Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya Raksakul as the new DSI chief, Parit said the Prachachon Party had previously expressed concern and this requires thorough and ongoing scrutiny. Previously, the DSI had submitted a case to prosecutors late last year recommending prosecution of eight suspects, but prosecutors returned it saying the offenses were part of a larger process and should not be limited to eight. The DSI then delayed awaiting the Election Commission’s ruling. On 14 September, the Commission decided to prosecute 77 people, confirming wrongdoing. Thus, the DSI plays a crucial role in continuing a straightforward investigation to hold offenders accountable.
“The appointment of the new DSI chief at this time, especially appointing Piya, who was one of the 36th subcommittee members that voted no one was guilty, raises concerns that this transfer is intended to influence DSI operations to favor government officials or accused persons connected to the government. We therefore call for no interference in the officials’ work,” Parit said.
When asked if the appointment constitutes improper appointment, Parit said the legal details must be reviewed, but politically it raises serious questions. Appointing someone who previously contradicted evidence, public opinion, the 16th investigative panel’s conclusions, the Election Commission secretary-general’s opinion, and the Commission’s decision to prosecute 77 people to head the DSI at this critical time is questionable. As opposition, they will continue to investigate thoroughly.
Regarding rumors that the DSI might abruptly close the case related to funds or gang-related charges, Parit confirmed the party is closely monitoring this. Since the Election Commission has confirmed wrongdoing, there is no reason for the DSI not to continue investigations. At last week’s Independent Organizations Committee meeting, it was decided to include this issue in next week’s agenda to invite representatives from the Election Commission, DSI, and prosecutors to provide explanations and further oversight to prevent misuse of power benefiting accused government figures.