People’s Party Files Criminal Case Against EC

The People’s Party has filed a criminal case against nine members and officials of Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, alleging misconduct over marked ballot papers and the swift certification of MPs. The complaint, submitted on 26 February 2026 by Dr Wayo Assawarungruang and the party’s legal team, cites offences under Section 157 of the Criminal Code and relevant provisions of the Organic Act on the Election Commission and the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives. The case centres on alleged observable markings placed on ballot papers and questions over the EC’s decision-making process.

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Nine defendants are named: seven EC commissioners — Narong Klunwarin (chairman), Lertviroj Kowattana, Thitichate Nuchanat, Chai Nakornchai, Sitthichot Intharawiset, Anan Suwannarat and Narong Rakroi, along with EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee and Worapong Anantcharoenkit, director of the Bureau of Electoral Support. Four plaintiffs are listed: the People’s Party as a legal entity, and three individuals, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Dr Wayo and Parit Wacharasindhu, as candidates and eligible voters.

The party plans to request additional witnesses, including Wissanu Krea-ngam and other legal experts, as well as executives from three ballot-printing organisations: T.K.S. Technologies Public Company Limited, responsible for green constituency ballots; Chanwanich Security Printing Company Limited, which printed pink party-list ballots; and the Territorial Defence Volunteers Printing House under the Department of Provincial Administration, which printed yellow referendum ballots. Further documentary evidence is to be sought, including contracts dated 8 and 22 February 2026, all ballot-related terms of reference, and complete EC meeting minutes. The plaintiffs will also object to any public prosecutor assisting the defendants.

Dr Wayo said the party had examined precedent, including the case of former EC chair Wassana Permlarp from the 2006 election, which resulted in a 2015 judgment under the Election Commission Act. He acknowledged that proving specific intent under Section 157 would be challenging and cited Section 69 of the Organic Act as supplementary grounds. He stated that the ballot-marking allegation represents a new legal issue and predicted the case could take up to 10 years if it proceeds through appeal and Supreme Court stages.

The Daily News reported that he also questioned the EC’s certification of constituency MPs within 17 days of polling and just three days after a re-run vote, describing the process as rushed amid numerous complaints. Separate petitions have been filed with the Ombudsman to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court, which may consider whether the election is void, while administrative remedies remain possible in the Administrative Court. Dr Wayo said the party intends to propose amendments to the 2017 Constitution when Parliament reconvenes.

Key Takeaways

• The People’s Party has filed criminal charges against nine EC members and officials over alleged ballot irregularities and certification decisions.

• The case cites Section 157 of the Criminal Code and provisions of the Organic Acts governing the EC and MP elections.

• Proceedings could take years, with parallel petitions lodged with oversight bodies and possible constitutional challenges ahead.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 27 Feb 2026