Bangkok: “Reserve Senator” calls on the chairman of the Election Commission to maintain integrity following reports of his potential resignation due to pressure from unspecified sources. He urged the Election Commission to act with honesty and straightforwardness and demanded a review of disciplinary actions against “Saewang,” giving the Commission a seven-day deadline for action.
According to Thai News Agency, the reserve senators group, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Khamrob Panyakaew, submitted a letter to the Election Commission demanding honesty and transparency in the scrutiny of the 2024 senator election. Pol. Lt. Gen. Khamrob expressed concerns over news suggesting that Mr. Ittiporn Boonprakong, the EC chairman, might resign due to pressure from unseen influences or personal relationships causing discomfort. He urged Mr. Ittiporn to remain steadfast and oversee the election scrutiny process until its completion, prioritizing the people and the nation above all else. He condemned any individuals or groups, including the so-called invisible hand, for undermining the country’s foundational systems and urged them to cease such actions.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamrob also addressed the issue of 22 senators who submitted a letter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on May 16, 2025. They requested that Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), stop their investigation into the senator selection process and asked the 26th Central Investigation Committee of the EC to halt their duties. This action was seen as a violation of the Code of Ethics, involving the misuse of positions to benefit themselves or others, and was considered an abuse of power under Section 185 (1) of the Constitution. Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamrob emphasized the need for equality under the law and called for transparency in all related actions.
He further criticized the Election Commission’s ruling No. 5/2568, which dismissed a petition against Mr. Sa-wang Boonmee, the EC secretary-general, for alleged negligence in the senator election process. Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamrob urged a review of this ruling and the establishment of a disciplinary committee to investigate Mr. Sa-wang’s actions, advocating for his suspension during the investigation.
Pol. Col. Manas Nakhonsi, a former election inspector, claimed to have informed Mr. Sa-wang about potential collusion in the senator selection process. However, Mr. Sa-wang allegedly failed to take any action. Pol. Col. Manas intends to submit a disciplinary action letter against Mr. Sa-wang and demanded action within seven days, threatening further action under Section 157 of the Criminal Code if the deadline is not met.
Mr. Akkrawat Pongthanachalitakul, another reserve senator, questioned Mr. Sa-wang’s absence and actions during this period, accusing him of interfering with the investigation. He emphasized the need for honesty and transparency in the country’s electoral processes and called for Mr. Sa-wang to cease his interference, allowing officials to proceed with their duties unimpeded.