Thailand Senate Election: Collusion Verdict Expected Thursday
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is poised to make a pivotal decision on Thursday regarding a potential investigation into alleged collusion during last year’s Senate elections. The announcement, originally scheduled for last Tuesday, was delayed to allow for further review and input from the Election Commission (EC), which provided information on Wednesday. This decision has created a contentious standoff between the DSI and Senate members, with the upper house vehemently opposing the probe.
The special cases board, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and including Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, will decide the investigation’s fate. Minister Sodsong, who oversees the DSI, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that Thursday’s meeting should not be postponed. He outlined two potential outcomes: if the board accepts the case, a dedicated team of special case investigators will collaborate with prosecutors; if rejected, the case may be referred to other agencies.
Complaints filed by unsuccessful Senate candidates allege vote-fixing and accuse the EC of inaction. These allegations are widely believed to target the “blue bloc” senators, aligned with the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), a member of the governing coalition. This political context adds complexity to an already sensitive situation.
The Senate’s reaction has been forceful. Following the DSI’s suggestion of potential rigging, some senators threatened to seek Minister Sodsong’s removal, accusing him of abuse of authority and political motivations. Minister Sodsong refuted these claims, asserting that the DSI’s actions are based solely on evidence of potential criminal activity. He cited initial findings indicating orchestrated illegal activity, potentially constituting criminal association—a serious offense under the Criminal Code—thus falling under the DSI’s purview. He also noted that no board member has questioned the DSI’s preliminary findings.
Tensions escalated during a Senate session on Tuesday, with “blue bloc” senators attacking the justice minister and the DSI. Senator Chattrawat Saengphet, chair of a Senate committee on independent agencies' affairs, accused the DSI of susceptibility to political interference, citing what he perceived as preferential treatment given to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his recent detention at the Police General Hospital. He argued that the allegations of collusion and criminal association defamed the Senate and announced that legal action is being considered against those making the claims. Senator Saengphet also expressed concern over Minister Sodsong’s frequent media briefings, viewing them as a targeted campaign against the “blue bloc.”
Senator Alongkot Worakee suggested transferring the DSI’s oversight to the Office of the Attorney-General to mitigate potential political influence. Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja indicated that the Upper House’s recommendations would be forwarded to the cabinet.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of last year’s complex Senate election. The 200-member Senate was elected from 20 professional groups through a month-long series of intricate voting rounds at local, provincial, and national levels. The election was plagued by complaints of collusion and manipulation. The DSI’s decision will significantly impact the Senate, the government, and public discourse surrounding the integrity of Thailand’s electoral processes. The nation awaits Thursday’s announcement with bated breath.
