Appointed Senator Faces Election Fraud Case, Accepts EC Decision

Alongkot Vorakij, one of 26 senators referred for prosecution by the Election Commission in a senator selection fraud case, said he accepts the EC's decision and takes the matter in stride, stating the case will proceed according to law. At 2 p.m. on September 15 at Parliament, Vorakij, one of 26 senators the EC has voted to prosecute in the Supreme Court's election case division for the senator selection fraud case, said that the group of senators named in the suit has shown mutual support. Regarding the case itself, he declined to comment, saying it could bias public opinion. He denied that there was any coordination among the named senators through messaging groups or any exchanges of views. The case will proceed according to legal procedure and he accepts the EC's decision, he said, adding that it now moves to the court process. When asked whether the 26 senators had discussed the case among themselves, Vorakij responded: "Do you want me to laugh? I'm just a small person." He stressed that he upholds and follows the law and is still attending meetings and working. "Do you want me to cry? I'm 62 years old. I've seen a lot since I was a district officer and district deputy. If there's more than this, we just follow the law. Do you ask if I'm happy or sad? I have to say I'm 62. I've been through a lot in life. When I say I'm composed, it doesn't mean I'm not afraid, but we just follow the law." When asked whether the case will affect or discourage him from performing his senatorial duties, Vorakij said it all proceeds according to legal procedure. When pressed on his confidence level, he said it's neither a matter of confidence nor lack thereof, but following legal procedure. If the EC orders prosecution, it goes to the court process, and we follow the procedure. There's nothing to it. When asked about the EC referring only 77 of 427 people for prosecution, Vorakij said that is the EC's responsibility and he accepts their decision. Any clarification must follow the law. "We cannot violate the court's authority," he said. As for the future, if ordered to cease duties, he will follow the court's order. "I'm not a person of high position. Earlier, when I gave a statement that was interpreted to mean I'm above the law, we followed the law at that time. The EC already has the authority to make such determinations."