Bangkok: "Kriangkrai-Nipon" acknowledged the charges of colluding in the selection of senators, expressing relief at being able to clarify both verbally and in documents, and had no opinion on submitting to the Constitutional Court to order 200 senators to stop performing their duties.
According to Thai News Agency, after the 26th Central Investigation and Inquiry Committee of the Election Commission (EC) issued summonses for 55 senators to acknowledge the charges on May 19-21, 2025, the first group of 22 senators received the summons and came to clarify at staggered times. General Kriangkrai Srirak, Deputy Speaker of the Senate, was the first in line. Many media outlets were present to report the news. It was reported that General Kriangkrai met the committee at 8:30 a.m., taking the elevator on the other side to reach the examination room on the third floor of the EC office.
Mr. Nipon Ekwanich, a member of the Senate, also traveled to acknowledge the charges in the collusion case and explained to the Election Commission. He gave a brief interview to the media, stating that he had nothing to explain and had prepared information, including various laws, for the day.
When asked how he would respond to the accusations, Mr. Nipon mentioned that he came to see more evidence because the accusations were vague and unclear, and he would respond in writing. As Mr. Nipon walked into the EC office, he was found trying to avoid the reporters stationed outside. An EC officer recognized him and asked, 'Is that a senator?' to which Mr. Nipon replied, 'Yes,' before inquiring if there were any reporters present. The reporters managed to capture the moment as Mr. Nipon entered the interrogation room.
Later, at 10:00 a.m., General Kriangkrai Srirak gave an interview after acknowledging the charges. He explained to the 26th Investigation Committee that he was there to acknowledge the charges and that the questioning was routine. He provided explanations both verbally and in documented form.
When questioned about discussions with other senators who were summoned, General Kriangkrai stated that everyone gave their own statements and had already talked about what to do. He expressed relief and mentioned feeling relieved after giving his statements.
In response to whether he had faced any other complaints regarding the selection of senators, General Kriangkrai denied such instances. When asked about the case of Ms. Nantana Nantvaropas, a senator preparing to collect signatures to submit to the Constitutional Court to stop all 200 senators from performing their duties, General Kriangkrai said he had no opinion and questioned the feasibility of such an action.