The People’s Party has filed a criminal case against nine members and officials of Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, alleging misconduct over marked ballot papers and the swift certification of MPs. The complaint, submitted on 26 February 2026 by Dr Wayo Assawarungruang and the party’s legal team, cites offences under Section 157 of the Criminal Code and relevant provisions of the Organic Act on the Election Commission and the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives. The case centres on alleged observable markings placed on ballot papers and questions over the EC’s decision-making process.

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Nine defendants are named: seven EC commissioners — Narong Klunwarin (chairman), Lertviroj Kowattana, Thitichate Nuchanat, Chai Nakornchai, Sitthichot Intharawiset, Anan Suwannarat and Narong Rakroi, along with EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee and Worapong Anantcharoenkit, director of the Bureau of Electoral Support. Four plaintiffs are listed: the People’s Party as a legal entity, and three individuals, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Dr Wayo and Parit Wacharasindhu, as candidates and eligible voters.

The party plans to request additional witnesses, including Wissanu Krea-ngam and other legal experts, as well as executives from three ballot-printing organisations: T.K.S. Technologies Public Company Limited, responsible for green constituency ballots; Chanwanich Security Printing Company Limited, which printed pink party-list ballots; and the Territorial Defence Volunteers Printing House under the Department of Provincial Administration, which printed yellow referendum ballots. Further documentary evidence is to be sought, including contracts dated 8 and 22 February 2026, all ballot-related terms of reference, and complete EC meeting minutes. The plaintiffs will also object to any public prosecutor assisting the defendants.

Dr Wayo said the party had examined precedent, including the case of former EC chair Wassana Permlarp from the 2006 election, which resulted in a 2015 judgment under the Election Commission Act. He acknowledged that proving specific intent under Section 157 would be challenging and cited Section 69 of the Organic Act as supplementary grounds. He stated that the ballot-marking allegation represents a new legal issue and predicted the case could take up to 10 years if it proceeds through appeal and Supreme Court stages.

The Daily News reported that he also questioned the EC’s certification of constituency MPs within 17 days of polling and just three days after a re-run vote, describing the process as rushed amid numerous complaints. Separate petitions have been filed with the Ombudsman to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court, which may consider whether the election is void, while administrative remedies remain possible in the Administrative Court. Dr Wayo said the party intends to propose amendments to the 2017 Constitution when Parliament reconvenes.

Key Takeaways

• The People’s Party has filed criminal charges against nine EC members and officials over alleged ballot irregularities and certification decisions.

• The case cites Section 157 of the Criminal Code and provisions of the Organic Acts governing the EC and MP elections.

• Proceedings could take years, with parallel petitions lodged with oversight bodies and possible constitutional challenges ahead.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 27 Feb 2026

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So, the People’s Party has now taken the Election Commission to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, alleging irregularities with ballot markings and rushed certification of MPs.

While the legal process must run its course, surely there has to be some time limit to disrupting the people’s electoral choice.

Once matters are before the courts, it should be for the judiciary to decide, not for ongoing disputes to indefinitely undermine the mandate already expressed at the ballot box.

This is a good development I'm glad to see them fighting back against an extremely corrupt institution, that will do anything possible to deny the will of the Thai people, and make sure that the youth never have any sort of control here.

Eventually the youth will prevail against the regressive dinosaurs, unfortunately this may take some time. But it is the only way forward. Guys like Anutin will continue holding the nation back and putting forth regressive policy that protects the elites and the powers that be.

15 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

alleged ballot irregularities

Nothing actually proven, just seems supposition and possibility.

15 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The party plans to request additional witnesses, including Wissanu Krea-ngam and other legal experts, as well as executives from three ballot-printing organisations: T.K.S. Technologies Public Company Limited, responsible for green constituency ballots; Chanwanich Security Printing Company Limited, which printed pink party-list ballots; and the Territorial Defence Volunteers Printing House

None of which were deposed for testimony by the EC whose members likely have no expertise or understanding what true purpose the QR codes intended.

16 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Proceedings could take years

How convenient.

A valiant move, but futile.

The 1997 Constitution established various independent institutions to oversee the running of the country. Sadly, over the past 15-20 odd years, the ultra-conservative elite have taken control of these institutions to serve their own purposes - enrich themselves and maintain the status quo.

I always thought that the people elected the government and the government elected the prime minister. Apparently that doesn't apply in Thailand.

On 2/27/2026 at 11:01 AM, Jim Waldron said:

So, the People’s Party has now taken the Election Commission to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, alleging irregularities with ballot markings and rushed certification of MPs.

While the legal process must run its course, surely there has to be some time limit to disrupting the people’s electoral choice.

Once matters are before the courts, it should be for the judiciary to decide, not for ongoing disputes to indefinitely undermine the mandate already expressed at the ballot box.

Ten years is ridiculous.