Bangkok: Saeng Boonmee, the Secretary-General of the Election Commission, has emphasized the necessity of proving the collusion case involving senators, underscoring that the charge under Section 157 should not be viewed as a mere political maneuver. He insists that the allegations must be substantiated with evidence.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saeng commented on the opposition's second public forum, which disclosed evidence related to the Senate collusion case implicating him. He mentioned the importance of not only listening to the opposition's claims but also actively seeking the truth. Fact-finding, he stressed, requires thorough verification, and every effort must be made to uncover the facts. He noted that while opinions might provide insights, any new evidence or facts need verification. The Election Commission must ascertain whether the speaker is a witness in the case file and whether their testimony is consistent with their statements.

Mr. Saeng addressed concerns regarding the witnesses who took part in the opposition's press conference, pointing out that their status as former Senate candidates does not automatically discredit them. He highlighted the importance of an investigation based on facts and the explanations given by these witnesses.

In response to a reporter's inquiry about whether the Election Commission's meeting to review remaining cases should include a process to verify witness statements against case file testimony, Mr. Saeng affirmed that they have an established working process. He referred to a guideline set by the Supreme Court on July 2nd, which mandates the Election Commission's office to gather comprehensive evidence to ensure the court can make informed decisions.

Regarding the opposition's potential lawsuit against the Election Commission under Section 157 for alleged negligence, Mr. Saeng dismissed the notion of it being a political game. He emphasized that everyone involved is simply performing their duties to ensure a positive outcome.