Politics Up to 60 Thai Senators Face Disqualification Over Vote-Rigging Allegations

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Around 60 senators could potentially lose their electoral rights following allegations of vote-rigging in last year's senatorial elections, according to sources.

 

Out of 200 senators, these individuals are accused of engaging in bloc-voting and vote-buying schemes, which may lead the Election Commission to revoke their status retroactively, triggering by-elections to replace them.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had earlier pointed fingers at 138 senators, primarily affiliated with the Bhumjaithai Party, for suspected involvement in orchestrated electoral fraud.

 

An ad hoc committee, with members from the polling agency and DSI, is compiling evidence for the Election Commission's review. If charges are confirmed, cases will be forwarded to the Supreme Court for a final verdict and potential legal penalties.

 

An estimated 500 million baht might have been utilised to manipulate the election, as suspected by the investigating panel. In a related move, the DSI is expected to bring money-laundering and criminal conspiracy charges against numerous pro-Bhumjaithai senators.

 

Thailand's Justice Minister Thavi Sodsong, aligned with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's circles, has sanctioned a special lawsuit, heightening public interest in the matter.

 

In response, some senators have denied any wrongdoing, challenging the DSI's allegations. The Bhumjaithai Party has also rejected claims of electoral rigging.

 

Unlike the MPs election, last year's senatorial vote involved a unique and complicated system spread across district, provincial, and national levels, allowing contestants to vote multiple times.

 

The outcome could see significant shifts if these senators are stripped of their positions, impacting the current political landscape. This developing story raises questions about electoral integrity and underscores the need for transparent political processes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-05-08

 

 

[Artisi]

Vote rigging, no never, couldn't happen, not possible - this is Thailand where everything is above board and all politicians are trustworthy and honest. 

[dinsdale]

The whole thing was an undemocratic farce.

[dinsdale]

13 minutes ago, webfact said:

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had earlier pointed fingers at 138 senators, primarily affiliated with the Bhumjaithai Party, for suspected involvement in orchestrated electoral fraud.

Abracadabra it's now down to 60.

[Geoffggi]

This could be due to an ongoing disagreement between the Shinawatras & the Bhumjaithai Party which has been ongoing in the background since Thaksins return to power - Sad really

[quake]

Wow .

Only 60, Must try harder senators, your letting the side down.

come on you can do better than that. 

[blaze master]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

An estimated 500 million baht might have been utilised to manipulate the election,

 

Might have ? 

 

That's like saying the bkk police might have stopped someone for a traffic ticket.

[Xonax]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

 

An estimated 500 million baht might have been utilised to manipulate the election, as suspected by the investigating panel. In a related move, the DSI is expected to bring money-laundering and criminal conspiracy charges against numerous pro-Bhumjaithai senators.

 

Follow the money trail and charge the benefactor with bribery!!

[JimHuaHin]

One day Thailand may be respected again, but I suspect that day will not be soon.

 

One big corrupt incompetent joke.

 

The Thai people want change; want a better life; but the system continues to suppress the people.

[connda]

No <shock>. Ya don't say?

[Pi Tao]

Probably, a misunderstanding ...

[ikke1959]

An example how rotten the elections are and the disgrace for a "democracy" with their bribes and their wealth..... From top to bottom 

[CMFarang]

500,000,000 well spent , since the laws that have been passed will most likely not be revoked. 

Just need to get away with it long enough to get the sketchy stuff dine

[Artisi]

4 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

One day Thailand may be respected again, but I suspect that day will not be soon.

 

One big corrupt incompetent joke.

 

The Thai people want change; want a better life; but the system continues to suppress the people.

vive la revolution 

[MikeandDow]

What a joke this country is !!  the Thai people should be embarrassed

[MarkBR]

6 hours ago, quake said:

Wow .

Only 60, Must try harder senators, your letting the side down.

come on you can do better than that. 

These are the ones who do not have magical protection amulets

[motdaeng]

1 minute ago, MikeandDow said:

What a joke this country is !!  the Thai people should be embarrassed

 

but they're not ... they cheer the corrupt and rich people more than honest and modest people ... sad but true 

[Mavideol]

what !!! only 60, that's a joke the number must be much higher then that, I believe the original number 138 was still short of the truth as well

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Out of 200 senators, these individuals are accused of engaging in bloc-voting and vote-buying schemes, which may lead the Election Commission to revoke their status retroactively, triggering by-elections to replace them

60 out of 200... not bad going..

[mfd101]

2 hours ago, CMFarang said:

the laws that have been passed will most likely not be revoked. 

Mmmm, I wonder ...

 

More than that, I wonder who was the clever monkey that invented a voting system so complex that no reasonable person (not even me!) could understand it.

[spidermike007]

There is no doubt these are some of the most corrupt, morally challenged, ethically bankrupt, and money grubbing lowlifes in the country. 

 

However, the PM is in the same boat. Her party was not the people's choice and she has done little, and likely taken much. They are all most unimpressive. 

[AustinRacing]

I bet most of these senators didn’t have money to spend and it’s reasonable to believe the money came from the leadership. Likes of taksin would be implicated if the money trail was followed. 

[klauskunkel]

Quote

Up to 60 Thai Senators Face Disqualification Over Vote-Rigging Allegations

Law makers...

[Will B Good]

Only 60 Thai Senators Face Disqualification Over Vote-Rigging Allegations

[digger70]

Up to 60 Thai Senators Face Disqualification Over Vote-Rigging Allegations

 

Vote rigging/ Buying is the Norm no matter where's  voting. Down our neck of the woods  they come and see one at home and pay one for voting for them. Nothing new. 

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, digger70 said:

Up to 60 Thai Senators Face Disqualification Over Vote-Rigging Allegations

 

Vote rigging/ Buying is the Norm no matter where's  voting. Down our neck of the woods  they come and see one at home and pay one for voting for them. Nothing new. 

 

That's not fair....the wife has to queue up at three or four different houses to get her money.

[CallumWK]

35 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

I bet most of these senators didn’t have money to spend and it’s reasonable to believe the money came from the leadership. Likes of taksin would be implicated if the money trail was followed. 

 

I think we are talking about Bumjai Thai here, which has fallen out of favour with Thaksin

[BritManToo]

6 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

One day Thailand may be respected again, but I suspect that day will not be soon.

 

One big corrupt incompetent joke.

 

The Thai people want change; want a better life; but the system continues to suppress the people.

In Thailand a burger flipper, 7-11 cashier can earn enough money to buy their own home  Something impossible for most people living in the west. Is life here really that bad for citizens?

[digger70]

9 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

That's not fair....the wife has to queue up at three or four different houses to get her money.

I guess It depends on the people who work for the parties.  🙏

[Burma Bill]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had earlier pointed fingers at 138 senators, primarily affiliated with the Bhumjaithai Party

 

Well I never - Mister Cannabis Anutin's party.

 

Let us hope all his corrupt Senator's are weeded from their posts!!