Election Commission Dismisses Senate Election Case Against Anutin, Newin, Ministers
Thailand's Election Commission voted to dismiss charges against Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Interior Minister Newin Chidchob, and other officials accused of interfering in senate elections under the 2017 law.
The Office of the Election Commission announced on September 15, 2026, its decision regarding the investigation into senate election allegations on September 14. Under the first charge, alleging political party executives and other officials helped or hindered particular candidates in violation of the 2017 Senate Election Acquisition Act, the commission voted not to file complaints or pursue criminal cases for 21 accused individuals. Results were: 7 cases decided unanimously, 2 cases at 6-1, and 12 cases at 5-2. Under the second charge, alleging candidates consented to receive assistance from political officials, the commission voted 5-2 against filing complaints or pursuing criminal prosecution for 140 accused individuals. Reports indicate that in the first charge, the 5-2 majority to dismiss included political figures such as Anutin Charnvirakul, deputy prime minister and interior minister; Newin Chidchob, deputy interior minister; Jetsada Boonyapattanasoontorn, interior minister; Ravirat Wavinupakij; and Prathum Parisnanantakul, also deputy interior minister.
