Bangkok Senators Accuse Justice Minister of Election Negligence
Bangkok—A controversy surrounding alleged money laundering in Thailand’s recent Senate election has intensified. Thirty senators have filed a formal complaint against Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam. The senators allege negligence of duty under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, claiming the DSI failed to act on evidence related to election funding. This action highlights the already tense political climate surrounding the Senate and its recent elections.
The controversy stems from a March 6th decision by the DSI’s special cases board, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, to launch an investigation into the money laundering allegations. Senator Chatwat Saengpetch, chair of the Senate committee on constitutional organizations, anti-corruption, and good governance, and a prominent figure among the complaining senators, questioned the timing of the DSI’s action. He argued the DSI possessed evidence as early as late February and could have forwarded it to the Election Commission (EC), but failed to do so. He further accused the EC of procrastination. This perceived inaction led Senator Chatwat to publicly question the DSI’s motives, asking, “Was the DSI under any kind of political influence? Or was its intention to intimidate?”
The DSI, under the Justice Ministry, has become a focal point in this political dispute. While some observers suggest the complaints are politically motivated maneuvering between rival factions—a tit-for-tat exchange—Senator Chatwat insists his actions are purely procedural, focused on upholding transparency and accountability within the Senate.
Responding to the complaint, Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong denied any political motivations behind the investigation. He confirmed that the investigation, involving approximately 7,000 individuals, is underway, using forensic analysis to determine whether collusion occurred during the Senate election. “We are not bullying or helping anyone,” the minister asserted. “We only want the facts and justice to speak for themselves.” He revealed that the names implicated in the alleged collusion match those of 138 senators, though specific allegations against individuals have yet to be made.
Adding further complexity, Pol Col Tawee also addressed unrelated complaints against him, including allegations regarding his alleged involvement in facilitating former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s stay at the Police General Hospital instead of serving his prison sentence after returning from exile. He dismissed these allegations, reiterating his focus on the Senate election funding investigation.
The Senate election funding investigation remains highly sensitive. Allegations of money laundering, coupled with the senators' complaint against the Justice Minister and the DSI director-general, raise serious questions about the election’s integrity. The investigation’s outcome will significantly impact Thailand’s political landscape and public trust in the Senate. The nation awaits the revelation of the truth and the pursuit of justice in this complex political situation.
