Election Commission Fires Staff Over Bribery in Tak, Maha Sarakham Cases

Election Commission Chairman Sitthichote Intrawisase announced on August 14, 2025, that an Elections Commission staff member found to have accepted bribes in Tak and Maha Sarakham election cases has been terminated. In the Tak case, which involved local election fraud and bribery, the commission received complaints and opened an investigation, determining the staff member had acted improperly; the disciplinary committee has already voted to dismiss this officer. In the Maha Sarakham case, the same officer was assigned to investigate further allegations in a House election matter and was similarly found to have engaged in bribery. That dismissal was processed first, but disciplinary proceedings in the second case are still pending; the preliminary findings of the disciplinary committee recommend termination, with a final decision expected soon from the subcommittee.

Intrawisase stated that while suspicious financial transfers to the officer from persons other than the House candidates themselves have been identified—including connections to Senate member Sukhsamruay Wantaniyakul and her associate Anyani Siifa—no new investigation has been opened into these links because insufficient forensic or witness evidence currently exists to establish a prima facie case. He rejected suggestions that previous election investigations involving this officer should be reopened, saying no grounds or evidence yet justify reopening closed cases.

When asked about concerns over the Senate selection dispute case, in which the opposition plans to introduce additional evidence this weekend, Intrawisase said the commission has no worries and will base its judgment on evidence presented in the proceedings. The main investigation subcommittee's findings are considered the primary basis for any decision, he added.