Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has ordered the revocation of the right to apply and has taken criminal action against two lobbyists who procured candidates for the Senate.

According to Thai News Agency, the commission has acted against Mr. Thanawut Saeng-Arun, a senator for Maha Sarakham Province, and Mr. Satchapong Phumisak, a non-candidate, due to their involvement in an alleged scheme to influence the Senate election process with monetary incentives.

The ECT’s investigation revealed that Mr. Thanawut was involved in organizing a meeting at the Pathum Thani Place Hotel, extending invitations to national senators with the promise of financial benefits, which constituted a breach of Section 77(1) of the Senate Acquisition Act B.E. 2561 (2018). Witnesses reported that Mr. Thanawut encouraged the participation of senators by suggesting they would not leave empty-handed, indicating a clear intention to sway votes through illicit means.

Furthermore, testimonies and evidence, including messaging app communications, suggested Mr. Satchapong facilitated meetings and offered significant sums of money to secure votes, promising 10 million baht to a petitioner with a network of eligible voters. Despite these attempts, witnesses confirmed their non-participation in the scheme.

The ECT’s petition to the Supreme Court aims to enforce electoral rights revocation and pursue criminal charges, underscoring the severity of the alleged conspiracy. The actions of Mr. Thanawut and Mr. Satchapong contradict the principles of fair elections as stipulated by the 2018 Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators and the Constitution, thereby necessitating legal intervention to uphold electoral integrity.

Additional evidence from social media posts by Mr. Satchapong, who has declared his intention to run as a Bhumjaithai Party candidate, further implicates him in election-related activities beyond his stated personal visits, hinting at a broader agenda to manipulate the senator election process.

The ECT’s decision highlights the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in Thailand’s electoral practices, sending a strong message against the manipulation of political processes for personal or group gain.