Bangkok: In a significant legal development, Mr. Nattaporn Toprayoon, a former advisor to the Ombudsman, has filed a petition with the Constitutional Court accusing the Election Commission (EC), the Bhumjaithai Party, and several senators of conspiring to overthrow the government. The petition specifically targets the actions of the EC, its Secretary-General, the Bhumjaithai Party’s executive committee, and several prominent individuals, including Mr. Newin Chidchob and Mrs. Karuna Chidchob, alleging that they exercised their rights or freedoms to undermine the democratic regime with the King as the head of state. Mr. Nattaporn has called for the suspension of duties of those involved from the date the court accepts the petition.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattaporn highlighted the improper organization of the election by the EC, pointing out their failure to investigate critical aspects of the election process, particularly the relationship between the EC and the Bhumjaithai Party. He argued that without the intervention of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the EC would not have scrutinized the case. The evidence gathered by the DSI, including AI analyses and financial trails, purportedly provides clear proof of wrongdoing. Mr. Nattaporn emphasized that if the court orders Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, the Minister of Justice, to halt his role as DSI supervisor, it should also accept his request to pause the duties of other involved parties.
Mr. Nattaporn further explained that the Constitutional Court could only address this issue through Article 49, which he submitted to the public prosecutor on May 28, accompanied by over 80 documents and pieces of evidence. He expects the court to accept the petition within two weeks and hopes for a swift decision due to the compelling evidence presented.
When questioned about the linkage of the submitted evidence to Mr. Newin and Mrs. Karuna, Mr. Nattaporn asserted that financial trails, meetings, and individuals like senators could indeed be connected to them and Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. He expressed confidence in the clarity of the 70-page case and believed it to be unparalleled in its evidence against government overthrow. Mr. Nattaporn anticipates a rapid resolution due to the comprehensive evidence disclosed.
The reporter noted that in Mr. Nattaporn’s petition, he accused the defendants of working collectively to divide responsibilities, with the EC and its secretary-general allegedly providing support to the Bhumjaithai Party and other defendants. They purportedly facilitated the selection of 138 senators and 50 reserves, engaging in dishonest and unconstitutional practices that violated several sections of the constitution.
Additionally, the lawsuit outlines the involvement of Bhumjaithai Party leaders, MPs, and members in each stage of the alleged collusion in senator selection. This includes groups responsible for orchestrating, planning, and executing the scheme, with evidence reportedly sourced from DSI and EC investigation records.