Bangkok: The President of the Ombudsman's Office has announced that they are in the process of compiling information regarding the use of QR codes on election ballots. The Ombudsman is also preparing to submit a statement to the Constitutional Court in response to a petition challenging the QR code inclusion.

According to Thai News Agency, the President of the Ombudsman, Mr. Songsak Saichue, stated that the Ombudsman is gathering information and reviewing evidence related to complaints about the elections, particularly focusing on allegations that the inclusion of QR codes compromised the secrecy and direct nature of the electoral process. These complaints are currently under the Constitutional Court's review. The Ombudsman has received evidence from parties not directly involved in the complaints and is in the process of compiling and reviewing this information.

Mr. Songsak explained that the Ombudsman has already submitted some information to the court and is considering additional witness testimonies and evidence, as requested by the court. However, the necessity for such submissions is still under review, as the Ombudsman continues to assess the information received over the past few days.

Regarding other complaints related to the 2026 election, Mr. Songsak noted that many issues have been addressed, although they are minor compared to the QR code concerns. The Ombudsman is working within its legal authority to examine cases that allege constitutional violations. The office can refer cases to the Constitutional Court only when there is a conflict between a legal provision and the Constitution. Allegations against government officials fall outside the Ombudsman's jurisdiction unless fundamental rights and freedoms are implicated.

When questioned about the possibility of a mock election, Mr. Songsak indicated that such a decision would be at the discretion of the Constitutional Court and that the Ombudsman's role is to submit the necessary documentation and statements for the court's consideration.