Crime Only 18 of 72 Witnesses Respond in Senator Selection Probe

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has warned that witnesses who ignore official summonses in its high-profile investigation into alleged collusion in the Senate selection process could face legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines.

 

The warning comes after only 18 out of 72 witnesses appeared to give testimony between 20–22 August, despite being formally summoned in connection with the case.

 

The special case, registered as No. 24/2025, centres on allegations that the selection of certain senators involved collusion and activities potentially linked to money laundering offences. The charges fall under Section 209 of the Criminal Code concerning secret societies, along with related laws.

 

Witnesses were called to testify at multiple locations, including Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Police Station, the Special Case Operations Centre Region 3 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Amnat Charoen Provincial Police Station and the Buriram Probation Office.

 

According to investigators, several of those summoned are believed to have financial connections with suspects, while others were themselves candidates in the Senate selection process. Some of these candidates won at district or provincial levels or advanced to the national stage, but notably did not vote for themselves.

 

The DSI stressed that compliance with summonses is both in the interest of the investigation and the witnesses themselves. Failure to cooperate could result in prosecution under Section 41 of the Special Case Investigation Act, which carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht or both.

 

Authorities said they will continue efforts to ensure all witnesses provide statements to establish a clearer picture of the alleged misconduct in the Senate selection.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1370008-dsi-summons-1200-in-senate-vote-buying-probe/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-08-24

 

 

 

[dinsdale]

No 5th amendment here but the look is the same. GUILTY.

[mikebell]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

According to investigators, several of those summoned are believed to have financial connections with suspects, while others were themselves candidates in the Senate selection process.

Thai politics eh?