Lawyer Aun Buriram criticized the current era as one where malicious individuals fabricate charges against those who conduct oversight, following allegations of conspiracy and promoting crime against him. Meanwhile, a source inside the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the complainant is real and emphasized that the ultimate authority to adjudicate lies with the Constitutional Court.
On 21 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Phattharaphong Suphakson, known as Lawyer Aun Buriram, posted on Facebook responding to the Ministry of Justice's acceptance of a complaint involving eight individuals. The group includes Mr. Thammathir Sukchotirat (Dr. Reuban), director of DeeVote at Sripatum University; Mr. Thanarat Kuawatthanapan, CEO of Dome Cloud Co., an expert in software and blockchain technology; Mr. Chaipon Chavalwanichchai (Teacher Chai), owner of the M.I.B Marketing In Black fan page; Mr. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, former Election Commissioner; Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu, list MP of the Prachachon Party; Mr. Songpol Ruengsomut, chief photographer at Spacebar news agency; Associate Professor Dr. Parinya Dewanaritkul, Faculty of Law at Thammasat University; and Mr. Phattharaphong Suphakson (Lawyer Aun) himself. They face charges of conspiracy and subversion related to secretly photographing ballots in the new election at polling station 9, Kan Nayao district, Bangkok, attempting to decode barcodes and QR codes on the ballots.
Lawyer Aun responded to the allegations by jokingly asking if anyone would buy iced coffee and fried rice for him if he were charged with conspiracy and promoting crime, criticizing the era where malicious people fabricate charges against watchdogs. He added he would not wait for a summons or charges but planned to visit the DSI the next day to present a gift to Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya Raksakul, identify himself, demand investigation numbers for the Khao Kradong case, and request witness protection due to harassment and rights violations.
A source within the Ministry of Justice revealed that an individual submitted a letter requesting the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice to investigate the complaint and details regarding eight individuals who allegedly secretly photographed ballots in the new election at polling station 9, Kan Nayao district, Bangkok. They purportedly attempted to decode confidential barcodes and QR codes on both constituency and party-list ballots to link voters to their choices. The letter also alleges coordinated ongoing activities that may constitute undermining, incitement, misinformation, and social disruption aimed at pressuring the Constitutional Court and requests the Ministry to refer the matter to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).
The ministry is proceeding to take action against the eight accused individuals. The letter remains under review by the head of the Ministry of Justice's joint service center and will be forwarded up the chain to the Ministerial Office and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. They will consider whether any behavior warrants referring the case to the DSI for investigation or designation as a special case. While the complainant wishes this to be a criminal case, the key issue is whether the allegations fall under DSI’s legal scope or relate to election laws, in which case the complaint should be sent to the Election Commission for legal proceedings.
The letter's author who filed the complaint with the Ministry of Justice requesting DSI to prosecute the eight individuals is confirmed to be a real person but wishes to remain anonymous. The complainant is a stakeholder in the election voting rights and is not an Election Commission official. However, anyone can submit a request for an agency to investigate a group whose actions may infringe on the rights and freedoms of the complainant and eligible voters. Those accused must prove the facts and clarify their intentions, showing their actions did not violate the rights and freedoms of the complainant and voters.
Regarding this complaint to investigate the conduct of the eight individuals, a review of the Constitutional Court’s rulings shows that using barcodes and QR codes on ballots is constitutionally permissible under Articles 50, 83 paragraph two, and 85 paragraph one, and does not infringe on the rights and freedoms of complainants or voters. Therefore, while the complainant may perceive the actions as an attempt to undermine the election, the final determination rests with the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether these acts were meant to ensure election transparency or to subvert it. This is beyond the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice or DSI. Investigators assigned to review the complaint will gather facts related to applicable laws. Their investigation is preliminary and will be forwarded to prosecutors for further scrutiny. Due to the significance of this matter, it will take time to reach a conclusion.
The Ministry of Justice and the Department of Special Investigation are responsible for investigating complaints and ensuring fairness to all parties, whether complainants alleging rights violations or accused individuals. Investigations must be thorough to ascertain facts and intentions to determine if a violation occurred. Everyone involved must cooperate to prove their case. If it is ultimately found that the complaint is false, the accused may pursue legal action in return. Conversely, if wrongdoing is confirmed, the legal process will proceed accordingly.