Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

An investigative panel has recommended prosecuting 229 individuals, including Bhumjaithai Party executives, for alleged widespread vote-rigging during Thailand’s Senate election last year. The Election Commission (EC) must now consider these recommendations and may approach the Constitutional Court to potentially dissolve the Bhumjaithai Party.

 

The accused include 138 sitting senators and 91 individuals connected to the Bhumjaithai Party, encompassing both executives and affiliates. This panel, formed by representatives from the EC and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), put forward these recommendations on 17th July, following independent investigations into the alleged electoral misconduct.

 

Upon examining the evidence, the committee concluded that sufficient grounds existed to suggest the accused facilitated the election of senators through dishonest means. The alleged actions violate Section 113 of the constitution, which mandates that senators remain independent and uninfluenced by political parties.

 

Bhumjaithai, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, has consistently denied any involvement in manipulating the June 2024 election outcome. With the investigation entering its second phase, the EC is set to receive the findings for further analysis by investigators, who will then report to key officials, such as the EC's secretary general or deputy.

 

Controversy has arisen over the involvement of EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee in the case, given his previous role as national director of the 2024 poll, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Consequently, authority will be delegated to one of his deputies.

 

Since March, the investigations have targeted a group of senators known as the "blue bloc," closely linked to Bhumjaithai, which was recently the second-largest party in the government coalition. The results of the Senate vote on 26th June last year revealed surprising outcomes, notably an unusual concentration of winners in provinces where Bhumjaithai enjoys significant support.

 

Particularly striking was the election of 14 senators from Buriram, the largest from any province. Buriram is known as the stronghold of Newin Chidchob. Despite holding no official position and having claimed political retirement, Chidchob is believed to wield considerable influence within the Bhumjaithai Party.

 

With tension mounting, the EC’s imminent decision will be closely watched. Should the case advance to the Constitutional Court, it could lead to the disbandment of Bhumjaithai, profoundly reshaping Thailand’s political landscape.

 

The developments underscore the growing scrutiny over electoral processes in Thailand, as the country navigates complex political dynamics. With charges recommended and allegations mounting, this unfolding story is one to watch in the coming weeks.

 

As events progress, the outcome could significantly impact Thai political alliances and governance. Stay tuned as we follow this story closely, providing updates on key developments and decisions affecting Thailand’s political future.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

 

 

 

229 accused of vote rigging but  NONE found guilty 555

Only 229 = gimme a break, add 2 x Zeros and give we ignorant Farang a reasonable estimate.

This current power struggle between the ruling coalition partner parties is exposing a lot of unsavoury behind the scenes details. 
I say that’s a good thing 

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

With tension mounting, the EC’s imminent decision will be closely watched. Should the case advance to the Constitutional Court, it could lead to the disbandment of Bhumjaithai, profoundly reshaping Thailand’s political landscape.

 

There's a likelihood this might happen as it would serve to maintain the status quo now that BJP has left the coalition which threatens the government.

Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of people.

How come that I'm not surprised?

A few brown envelopes must have under weight. 

On 7/18/2025 at 5:59 PM, snoop1130 said:

An investigative panel has recommended prosecuting 229 individuals, including Bhumjaithai Party executives, for alleged widespread vote-rigging during Thailand’s Senate election last year. The Election Commission (EC) must now consider these recommendations and may approach the Constitutional Court to potentially dissolve the Bhumjaithai Party.

It's how Thailand rolls... everything is rigged  or corrupt.

There all corrupt the party that won the election were stitched up as the dinosaurs saw them as a threat 

On 7/18/2025 at 5:59 PM, snoop1130 said:

alleged widespread vote-rigging during Thailand’s Senate election last year

Maybe it's time for a 100% elected Senate by the Thai People. But that requires a constitutional amendment that includes a Senate vote.

The reference to the so-called "vote" and "election" was done within the initial parameters of Senatorial selection" process. There was no electoral vote per se (ie., visa a vis direct public vote), just a legacy Senate initially appointed by the Prayut Junta NCPO. 

On 7/18/2025 at 5:59 PM, snoop1130 said:

Bhumjaithai, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, has consistently denied any involvement in manipulating the June 2024 election outcome.

Well, they would say that, wouldn't they?

Up in Issan, 200 THB is the starting bribe to buy votes…three family members people I know took it, and voted for someone else.  That person lost and their bribe momey too.  555

It’s takhsin mob squeezing the other party to have them replaced by his mob who are struggling with numbers. 

A post using bold ALL CAPS has been removed, please turn off your Caps Lock when posting. 

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

Maybe it's time for a 100% elected Senate by the Thai People. But that requires a constitutional amendment that includes a Senate vote.

The reference to the so-called "vote" and "election" was done within the initial parameters of Senatorial selection" process. There was no electoral vote per se (ie., visa a vis direct public vote), just a legacy Senate initially appointed by the Prayut Junta NCPO. 

Lest anyone forget the senate was fully elected during Thaksin’s time
 

On 7/18/2025 at 5:59 PM, snoop1130 said:

Controversy has arisen over the involvement of EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee in the case, given his previous role as national director of the 2024 poll, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Consequently, authority will be delegated to one of his deputies.

...and, of course, these deputies will not have been directed or conflicted by their master in any way...

Thai Senate Election Scandal: 229 Accused of Vote-Rigging 

 

 Nothing new in Politics They All play Dirty . Power Greed and Money.

I thought it was normal here for people to pay for votes, well, with local stuff they do...🤑

2 hours ago, crazykopite said:

There all corrupt the party that won the election were stitched up as the dinosaurs saw them as a threat 

Really?

 

The party that won the most votes could NOT form a government or even a coalition government in the time period so it fell to the party with the next highest number of seats, who could and did form a coalition government.

 

The fact that you may not like the result is irrelevant, unless you are a Thai voter.

Everybody should know in Thailand everything is rigged they passed the brown envelopes people receive them life goes on whatever happened to the Red Bull kid you think it’s all this time they could actually do a red notice  oh wait that wouldn’t be good to be too many people I’ve already received their brown envelope they’ll just wait till the statue of limitation runs out and then he’ll be welcome back with open arms which here can get away with winning over and killing a cop sending the Butler to the police station flying out on their jet then sending a note to the judge from Singapore that he’s too ill to come back and then all of a sudden they don’t know where he is even though there’s been numerous pictures of him at many of the Red Bull events and even shopping in London amazing Thailand TIT 

Abolish the party.  Holding some worthless stock pales in comparison to vote rigging.