Constitutional Court Warns Somchai and Thanarat Against Posts on Election Ballot Barcode Investigation, May Constitute Contempt of Court
Thailand's Constitutional Court warned two individuals against social media posts about an ongoing election ballot barcode investigation, cautioning they may constitute contempt of court if they interfere with proceedings.
The Constitutional Court's Office announced on May 20, 2025, that on May 9, 2025, individuals published documents related to issues the Constitutional Court had requested complainants to submit written opinions on in Case No. 30/2025. These posts appeared on Facebook accounts under the names Somchai Srisuthiyakorn ("Pan Pai Nai") and Thanarat Kuawattanaphan. The court's office has notified the individuals that this case is currently under judicial consideration, and such actions may interfere with the court's proceedings. The court warned them to exercise caution and ensure their actions remain within constitutionally protected freedom of expression, to avoid violating the Constitutional Court Procedure Act of 2017, Section 38, and the Constitutional Court Rules of Procedure of 2019, Clause 10. Section 38 grants the court authority to maintain order during proceedings, while Clause 10 prohibits distorting facts or law, unfairly criticizing court orders, or using vulgar, sarcastic, inciting, or malicious language. Clause 11 designates violations of Clause 10 as contempt of court under the Constitutional Court Procedure Act, Section 39.
