Election Commission Votes on Senate Case Today, Heavy Police Presence Expected
The Election Commission votes Monday on a major Senate case involving 229 defendants, including 138 sitting senators and Pheu Thai party officials, with results announced the same evening and heavy police presence expected at the Bangkok of
On September 12, reporters confirmed that the Election Commission will convene Monday, September 14, at 10:00 a.m. to vote on the Senate case. Each commissioner will cast a ballot on all 229 defendants across seven charges. The commissioners received their ballots after fact-finding hearings concluded on August 28. Officials will then tally the votes and read the decision aloud. The commission previously met on September 11 to clarify voting procedures.
The 229 defendants include 138 current senators, 21 ministers and members of parliament from Pheu Thai Party leadership, 20 Pheu Thai network members, and 50 reserve senators and senatorial candidates.
Once the commission votes, the office will compile the majority or unanimous view into a ruling, which must be completed within 60 days by law. If the ruling is to refer the case to the Supreme Court's Election Division, an additional 60 days is required to draft the petition.
The office plans to announce results the same evening. Media will register on Sunday, September 13. The announcement is unlikely to specify vote tallies, the split between majority and minority, or the names of defendants referred to court—only the number of people involved. Full details will be released with the court's ruling and acceptance of the case.
The office anticipates various groups may gather to observe and conduct symbolic activities from morning onward. It has coordinated with Bangkok Metropolitan Police Division 2 and Thung Song Hom Police Station to deploy 100 police officers to maintain order. The area outside the office will be cordoned off to the public and media until shortly before the announcement, when only media will be allowed inside to receive the statement.
