Election Panel Votes to Charge 26 in Senate Selection Scandal
The Election Commission voted to prosecute 77 people for violations in the Senate selection, with 26 Senate candidates facing charges for breaching conduct rules and offering money or gifts to voters. Meanwhile, 21 Bhumjaithai Party officia
On September 15, 2025, the Election Commission voted to prosecute 77 people accused of violating Senate election rules, with results showing 427 individual charges across seven counts. The Commission's votes were mostly decided by narrow majorities of 4-3, 5-2, or 6-1, with very few unanimous decisions.
Twenty-six Senate candidates face prosecution by a 4-3 vote on charges three through seven, including breaches of candidate conduct rules, offering money or property to influence votes, treating voters to food and drinks, and soliciting benefits in exchange for candidacy. These charges fall under the 2560 Senate Election Act, sections 77 and 79.
However, on charges one and two under section 76 of the same act—which prohibit political party executives and office holders from helping or harming candidates—21 party executives and officials from the Bhumjaithai Party were cleared by a 5-2 vote. The two dissenting votes came from commissioners Sitticote Intrawiseat and Chai Nakharchai.
One case decided unanimously involved Sorachat Vichya Suwannaphrom, a candidate from Nong Bua Lamphu in the science and technology group. Evidence allegedly showed financial transfers and LINE messages between Sorachat and Subin Sak, an aide to Surat Thani MP Pichai Chompupol of the Bhumjaithai Party. Subin also faces prosecution.
