Crime DSI Summons 1,200 in Senate Vote-Buying Probe

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has issued summonses to 1,200 Senate candidates across Thailand as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged vote-buying, organised collusion and money laundering linked to the recent Senate selection process.

 

The move, announced on 16 August, follows findings from DSI’s financial probe which uncovered suspicious money trails across 45 provinces, reportedly linking local politicians, Senate aides, and organised groups accused of manipulating the vote.

 

The case, registered as Special Case No. 24/2025, is being conducted under the supervision of Pol Lt Col Yuthana Praedam, DSI Director-General. It involves offences relating to criminal association under Section 209 of the Criminal Code, money laundering, and other related laws.

 

Authorities revealed that more than 90 witnesses have already been questioned. Investigators have also conducted reconstructions of the Senate selection process, collected CCTV footage and analysed phone and financial records, leading to evidence implicating over a thousand individuals.

 

The 1,200 summoned witnesses are believed to include so-called “voters-for-hire” and “sacrifice groups”, candidates who allegedly entered the race not to be elected themselves, but to vote for pre-determined nominees “according to the list.”

 

Investigators are now seeking to establish clearer links between these groups and political figures at provincial and national levels. Money transfers between local politicians, community members, and alleged collusion networks have already been detected.

 

Given the scale of the case, DSI has assigned 10 specialised investigative divisions to handle questioning across the country. Each unit, experienced in complex financial and organised crime cases, will gather testimony and submit findings to the central investigation committee.

 

Officials said Senate candidates will be required to explain their backgrounds, professional groups and the financial transactions flagged in the inquiry. This includes identifying sources of funds, reasons for transfers and whether payments were connected to the alleged vote-rigging scheme.

 

Meanwhile, the DSI has been seeking documents from the Senate Secretariat regarding the appointment of assistants, experts and advisers to 200 senators. However, these records have not yet been handed over. Investigators said the lack of documents would not delay progress and the inquiry will continue in parallel with evidence gathering from witnesses.

 

Authorities stressed that the investigation aims to be thorough, fair and transparent, as the case could have major implications for Thailand’s political system and the integrity of its Senate selection process.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-17