Vote Rigging and Money Laundering Allegations Hit Thai Senate

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Naewna via Thai Newsroom

 

Thailand's political landscape faces turmoil as reports emerge that up to 138 senators might be implicated in alleged electoral manipulation during last year's senatorial elections. Of the 200 serving senators, those suspected are believed to have engaged in practices compromising the integrity of a complex three-tier voting system. Anonymous sources from within political circles reveal that a sweeping investigation might soon be on the horizon.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is preparing to scrutinise potential instances of election rigging. This follow-up investigation will likely focus on allegations of bloc-voting and money-laundering schemes that may have played significant roles in swaying election outcomes.

 

The DSI, operating under the Justice Ministry led by Thavi Sodsong, who is seen as an ally of de facto Pheu Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra, appears poised to launch a formal inquiry.

 

Prominent in this scandal is the former assistant police chief Khamrop Panyakaew, who previously lodged a complaint with the Election Commission. Despite his allegations being dismissed for a purported lack of evidence, Khamrop's complaints have brought renewed scrutiny and pressure for transparent investigations into the senatorial elections.

 

Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, whose position within the upper house represents a broad cross-section of the 200 senators, stands at the heart of this unfolding crisis. A considerable portion of these senators are believed to be covert loyalists of Bhumjaithai Party leader Newin Chidchob.

This political affiliation has become evident through the consistent alignment of the senate's voting behaviour with the MPs from Bhumjaithai, the second-largest partner in the ruling coalition.

 

While the specifics of any potential wrongdoing remain under wraps, the investigation is expected to delve into numerous facets of the electoral process. This includes analysing voting patterns and financial transactions among those implicated in the scandal.

 

The gravity of the situation reflects growing concerns over the effectiveness and fairness of Thailand's political system, potentially impacting future legislation and governance.

 

As the DSI proceeds with its investigation, the Thai public watches with anticipation for revelations that could reshape the nation's political narrative. The outcome of this high-stakes inquiry will likely test the resilience of Thailand’s democratic institutions and the public’s trust in its elected representatives, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

[Celsius]

[Tropicalevo]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

bloc-voting and money-laundering schemes that may have played significant roles in swaying election outcomes.

 

This has been happening in elections here since Noah was a lad.

I wonder why they worry about now.

Maybe too many plebs 'out-bid' the hi-sos? 

[MikeandDow]

And thailand says its Democratic,  Its a joke!!!!

[spidermike007]

What would be utterly shocking is if there wasn't vote rigging, and the weren't  bribes being paid for election results. Sums up the recent history of Thailand. And the super toxic and useless, power hungry army. 

[dinsdale]

Bit late out of the blocks on this one. I certainly wasn't alone on this forum saying this is exactly what would happen in the farce of a pseudo democratic election.

[blaze master]

The clown show continues. Now I'm off to make a donation to my local temple to ensure I get into heaven. 

 

What a totally corrupt culture.

[John Drake]

Another rival political party about to bite the dust?

[lordgrinz]

"Vote rigging" and "money laundering" in Thailand?! .....I'm shocked! 😲

[BrandonJT]

4 hours ago, John Drake said:

Another rival political party about to bite the dust?

I dunno, the Bhumjaithai Party was so closely affiliated with the junta, it might be too much rocking the boat for that to happen. Not to mention the new party could flip over to the PPP(MFP) and give the opposition enough votes to become the ruling coalition. 

[Artisi]

5 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

"Vote rigging" and "money laundering" in Thailand?! .....I'm shocked! 😲

You shouldn't be shocked as it's fake news 😉

[jippytum]

Thaksin took his eye off the ball during the senate elections and voting didn't go all his way when his  relative and former prime minister was not elected. 

Thaksin now seeks to redress the damage as recent voting has not gone to Phu Thais way. 

Thaksin's dominance in Thai politics is full steam ahead. 

[thesetat]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

This political affiliation has become evident through the consistent alignment of the senate's voting behaviour with the MPs from Bhumjaithai, the second-largest partner in the ruling coalition.

this is why they will start investigations. These Senators are not aligned with the PTP.... Hence they must have bribed or coerced their way into the Senate and will most likely be the only ones investigated. They vote against the PTP and the leader. 

[kingstonkid]

11 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

This has been happening in elections here since Noah was a lad.

I wonder why they worry about now.

Maybe too many plebs 'out-bid' the hi-sos? 

 

 

BJT controls the Senate which does not work well for the PTP

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's political landscape faces turmoil as reports emerge that up to 138 senators might be implicated in alleged electoral manipulation during last year's senatorial elections. Of the 200 serving senators, those suspected are believed to have engaged in practices

Say it ain't true...

[bradiston]

About bloody time.

[Andycoops]

A total mess left by the Army after their illegal take over of the country from a democratically elected government.

Zero accountability or transparency as you will expect when their not on any citizens ballot paper.

 

A total affront to the nation.

[MikeandDow]

1 hour ago, Andycoops said:

A total mess left by the Army after their illegal take over of the country from a democratically elected government.

Zero accountability or transparency as you will expect when their not on any citizens ballot paper.

 

A total affront to the nation.

Nothing to do with the Army !  This is all down to the Thai people, Allowing this to happen,  Democracy is fought for not given !

[Purdey]

They couldn't find evidence before but now it's different? 

[Tropicalevo]

12 hours ago, blaze master said:

The clown show continues. Now I'm off to make a donation to my local temple to ensure I get into heaven. 

 

What a totally corrupt culture.

Sorry, you are not going anywhere.

You will be reincarnated as a very powerful person - an AN mod perhaps? 

[blaze master]

5 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

an AN mod perhaps?

 

Forget that....off to make a 2nd donation up my chances.