Academic Attacks Election Commission for Surrendering to Power
A Chiang Mai University historian accused Thailand's Election Commission of capitulating to political pressure instead of safeguarding fair elections, comparing the weakened institution to a timid cat rather than a protective guardian.
On September 15, Atthajak Satyanuruk, a former lecturer in the History Department at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Humanities, criticized the Election Commission over its decision to refer 77 names to the Supreme Court's Election Division and pursue criminal proceedings related to a parliamentary election inquiry. He warned Thai society that while the current constitution intended the Election Commission to be a guardian ensuring fair and clean elections, it has instead become a weak institution that has capitulated to political pressure, allowing insufficiently vetted individuals to gain power.
Using a metaphor, Satyanuruk compared the Election Commission to a giant created by the constitution to protect the gateway to power, but which has now become a timid cat surrendering to authority. He argued that the commission must gain public backing by being transparent with society and citizens if it fears superior powers. The commission must disclose everything and act on observations, questions, and evidence raised by the public.
Satyanuruk criticized the use of 38 years of judicial experience to intimidate people and lecture society as if citizens were foolish—a practice that must end. The Election Commission must present its reasoning openly and promptly. Prolonging the process indefinitely amounts to stalling and resembles the cowardly conduct of a cat rather than a protective giant. The commission must demonstrate knowledge of right and wrong and the path to justice. It must answer every question the public has raised, not simply issue press statements. If the commission capitulates to illegitimate power, it will face condemnation from society today and curses from future generations.
