Election Commission clarifies doubts about candidates elected as senators

EC, EC clarifies "Former Senator Somchai" confirms "Boonsong", Vice President of the Senate, used to be a legal advisor, never involved in the EC's decision to select Senators, is not a permanent employee, therefore, does not lack qualifications and prohibited characteristics. The EC office clarified after news of Mr. Somchai Saengkaew, former senator, appeared that the EC advisors could apply for senators. Whether it violates the law or not must be investigated, but it is believed that it is definitely a conflict of interest. The EC regulations that were issued, it is suspected that they violate the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators or cause the society to be very suspicious, which favors certain candidates of certain colors, certain people, or certain groups, to the point of colluding to hire them. Did the EC legal advisors know about it or not? In this regard, the EC would like to clarify that Mr. Boonsong Noisophon was appointed as the chairman of the EC's legal advisory committee on 17 Octobe r 2018. His duties and powers are to provide legal advice to the EC and to provide opinions on important legal issues on an occasional basis only. He is not considered an employee of a government agency, state agency, or state enterprise, or other state official, according to the Constitutional Court's ruling no. 5/2543. Therefore, he is qualified and does not have any disqualifications for applying to be elected as a senator. Later, Mr. Boonsong submitted a letter of resignation from the position of Chairman of the Board and Legal Advisor of the EC, effective from 21 May 2024 onwards, with the intention to apply for election as a Senator, Legal and Justice Process Group, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province on 24 May 2024. The said person was not involved in the issuance of the EC regulations on the selection of Senators 2024 and there is no conflict of interest whatsoever. Therefore, the news that appears is not based on any truth. Please do not believe it. Source: Thai News Agency