Ruttapon pointed out that the complainants "Somchai, Aitim, Lawyer Aun" and others, totaling eight individuals, accused of gang-related offenses and incitement involving decoding election ballot QR codes, do exist but their names must be withheld. He emphasized this is not political harassment or persecution for political reasons.
On 22 Oct 2026 at Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, addressed the case where a complainant using the pseudonym "Miss A" filed a petition with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to consider legal action against eight individuals, including academics, MPs, and journalists. They are accused of gang-related offenses, incitement, and violations of the Computer Crime Act regarding decoding barcodes and QR codes on election ballots to link voter data. He confirmed that Miss A is a real person who personally filed the complaint on 20 Oct and that the DSI will be assigned to proceed with the matter.
When asked if the complainant's real name could be disclosed to avoid speculation, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapon said he considers it personal data under the PDPA and related to the complainant's safety. However, the real name will appear in the investigation files. Regarding the media referring to the complainant as "Miss A," a pseudonym without revealing full name, he believes the media is mindful of PDPA and professional ethics, thus treating the name as confidential, but he confirmed the complainant is genuine.
Asked whether this case represents political harassment, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapon responded that he does not know, as the complaint was submitted to him and must be investigated by the DSI. At this stage, it is only a preliminary review, and it is not yet known whether any wrongdoing occurred. If violations are found, investigations will follow due process, ensuring fairness for both sides.
Regarding one of the accused named Phattharaphong Suphaksorn, or "Lawyer Aun," who previously had conflicts with the Minister of Justice, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapon said, "No, it is not," emphasizing that multiple individuals are accused, including politicians and academics.
When asked if filing complaints against the same eight individuals previously with the Crime Suppression Division would cause redundant proceedings by filing again with the DSI, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapon said the matter will be accepted and reviewed together to determine which agency is appropriate to proceed further.