Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) board is set to decide on whether to accept the case of alleged collusion in the selection of senators as a special case. This decision comes after a previous postponement and amidst a continued absence of three police members required for a full quorum.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, alongside Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, and the Special Case Committee (SCCC), attended the meeting to discuss investigation case No. 151/2567. The case focuses on the fairness and honesty of the processes involved in selecting senators. This meeting follows a previous session where the matter was referred to the Subcommittee on Screening International Crimes and Special Crimes for further evaluation before being submitted to the Special Case Committee.
Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation and Secretary of the Committee, reported that 19 participants were present, with three absentees. Absent members included Pol. Gen. Sutin Tapphuang, a criminal investigation expert, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nuanma, a money laundering prevention and suppression expert.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief, sent a representative, Pol. Lt. Gen. Apichart Suribunya, the commander of legal affairs and cases. Although he had not joined the meeting, the quorum was sufficient for proceedings to continue as planned.
Additionally, representatives for Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and Mr. Pakorn Nilpraphun, Secretary-General of the Council of State, attended the meeting. This differs from the previous meeting, where these individuals were present in person. The reporter noted that the quorum for the previous meeting on February 25, 2015, mirrored today's meeting, with the same three police officers absent on both occasions.