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

 

 

 

It sounds good on paper and more than likely spot-on, however and unfortunately nothing will actually come out of it. 

^ Correct. And if any corruption is found it will take 5 years for anything to be done about it. 

Sounds like the little fish are taking the fall for the big fish

BJT having been the main beneficiary of the latest Senate no nation contest, I would expect that the outcome will depend on the state of relationship between PTP and BJT. Currently it's not good.

16 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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.

 

So in about 5 years they will all have showed up and been questioned.

I can see they really try to speed up this case

53 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

So in about 5 years they will all have showed up and been questioned.

I can see they really try to speed up this case

Then a committee will be appointed.

 

But before that a committee will be formed to decide the scope etc., of the ultimate committee

On 8/17/2025 at 5:51 AM, Georgealbert said:

as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged vote-buying, organised collusion and money laundering linked to the recent Senate selection process.

Tell me it ain't true...

This is a very serious situation. If it is overlooked, the entire political system could be jeopardized. I hope the government and the DSI address it with the necessary seriousness and transparency.

On 8/17/2025 at 5:51 AM, Georgealbert said:

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.

doctoring needs some time 

Of course they will accuse Thaksin like they always do

14 minutes ago, Olof Karlsson said:

Of course they will accuse Thaksin like they always do

 

 

No I think Thaksin is safe on this one at least for now.  BJT and Anutin will be the ones in trouble.

 

I think it is going to be an interesting year

 

I see an election coming soon and a PP-controlled government.  If that is the case, then BJT will bow and kiss whatever they have to so that the hammer doesn't fall in the senate.

 

Let's face it, revenge on the senate for killing them last election will be good.

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Olof Karlsson said:

Of course they will accuse Thaksin like they always do

Thaksin has nothing to do with the senate vote buying. All the vote buying and money laundering is the fault of the Bhumjaithai Party under Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin is one of the most corrupt individuals in Thailand. He makes Thaksin look like a saint.  

2 hours ago, The Alien said:

This is a very serious situation. If it is overlooked, the entire political system could be jeopardized. I hope the government and the DSI address it with the necessary seriousness and transparency.

 

In a modern and mature democracy anywhere else, your concerns about the seriousness of this development would be valid.

 

However, this is Thailand.

6 minutes ago, dutch boy said:

Thaksin has nothing to do with the senate vote buying. All the vote buying and money laundering is the fault of the Bhumjaithai Party under Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin is one of the most corrupt individuals in Thailand. He makes Thaksin look like a saint.  

 

Saintly? Meh...

 

Pair of (dodgy) bookends more like.

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

I see an election coming soon and a PP-controlled government. 

 

People's Party? I mentioned them when I posited a similar 'crystal ball' opinion on another thread a couple of months back, after the latest results of the Tambon elections. It was summarily dismissed as it seems PP don't have a dog in this fight. Comparatively unknown and underrepresented across the board apparently. The "nice but dim" party, so to speak. No clout.

 

As for 'control', I am hard-pressed to see where any of Thailand's multi-flavored coalitions have ever been in control of anything and have all been dependent on too many cliques of vested interests masquerading as a political party to prop them up/keep them in the lifestyles to which they're accustomed.

 

Do these people pay bribes by bank transfer?  😆

 

 

On 8/17/2025 at 5:51 AM, Georgealbert said:

 as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged vote-buying

 

Scandals in the Senate and the House of Representatives - right time for a coup?

7 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 

Scandals in the Senate and the House of Representatives - right time for a coup?

Anytime in Thailand is a good time for a coup, just requires a nod and a wink from the right direction.