Bangkok: 'iLaw-People's Network' issued a statement urging senators to cease selecting independent organizations, citing ongoing investigations by the Election Commission (EC) and National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) into alleged collusion in senator selection. The network aims to amplify public voices and prevent power misuse in self-investigations.
According to Thai News Agency, the People's Network for Drafting the Constitution and iLaw organized an event titled 'Senators Must Stop Endorsing Self-Monitoring Organizations Until Allegations Are Completed' in front of the parliament building. Ms. Bunyanuch Mathuchak, an iLaw officer, highlighted concerns regarding the first group of senators, who were selected rather than elected, facing scrutiny over transparency issues in the 'Senator Election Fraud' case. The EC is summoning senators to acknowledge charges related to introducing themselves contrary to EC criteria, offering assets or benefits for votes, and involvement in corruption or complicity. A guilty verdict could result in the removal of more than half of the senators.
The ongoing investigation coincides with a significant decision-making period for the senators, as on May 30, 2025, they are set to approve three NACC positions and establish a committee to evaluate nominees for two Constitutional Court judge positions, an Election Commission member, and an Attorney General. These roles involve direct scrutiny of the senators themselves.
Despite adhering to procedures outlined in the 2017 Constitution, the approval process raises concerns about legitimacy and conflicts of interest between senators and oversight organizations. The People's Network for Drafting the Constitution proposed immediate and long-term actions for the Senate. They called for a halt in approving key legal and civil service positions, including Constitutional Court judges and independent organization members, until the ongoing case concludes.
Additionally, they proposed a constitutional amendment to address public participation in senator selection and monitoring, requiring approval with 67 votes. The network emphasized the importance of senators, though not elected by the public, acting in the public's interest by refraining from selecting self-monitoring bodies until investigations are finalized.
During the event, participants carried signs with messages like 'Senators must stop so that Thailand can move forward' and 'Appointing themselves, inspecting themselves, is the identity of Thailand.' The crowd chanted for senators to cease their current selection practices, underscoring public demand for accountability and transparency.