Ex-Election Chief Urges Caution in Senate Case Filings

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, former Election Commission (EC) chairman, has called on the commission to exercise due diligence in reviewing the Senate case ahead of potential Supreme Court filings on September 14. Speaking from Police Hospital on September 8, Somchai urged the EC to carefully examine each case individually, despite prior discussions with subordinates, noting that based on the findings of Investigation Committee Group 26 and the Arbitration Subcommittee Group 36, as well as the EC secretary-general's assessment, charges are expected to be filed only against certain senators and private citizens, but not against any political officeholders including cabinet ministers, MPs, or party executives.

Somchai explained that all 21 political figures were found culpable by Committee Group 26, but the EC secretary-general dismissed charges against all of them, and Subcommittee Group 36 had already dismissed all cases. This high likelihood of dismissal led Somchai to recommend that the EC examine cases with clear evidence of wrongdoing rather than dismissing politicians wholesale, cautioning that such decisions could damage the commission's credibility. He added that over 100 people possess meeting documentation and are prepared to file Section 157 reports, contrary to the narrative that only he possesses such records.

When asked about political activists potentially organizing protests if the outcome aligns with Subcommittee Group 36's ruling, Somchai said such action would depend on public necessity but did not support street demonstrations that could escalate tensions. He expressed preference for peaceful, lawful activism within legal boundaries, noting his intention to participate in the September 13 iLaw march from Lad Prao to Boonkrong as an example of orderly civilian movement.