Former Election Official Files Assault Charges After Bangkok Incident
Former Election Commission member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn filed assault charges after being attacked by Natthawut Wongniam outside a Bangkok police station on September 4, with the incident witnessed by officers and journalists who recorded
Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, a former Election Commission member, has vowed to press charges to the fullest extent after being attacked by Natthawut Wongniam in front of Thonglor Police Station on September 4, 2025. Somchai arrived early to file a complaint against Natthawut and was greeted by him in a suit, but instead of responding courteously, Natthawut approached aggressively with crude verbal abuse. While Somchai was still on his bicycle, Natthawut shoved it, causing Somchai to fall flat on his back. Natthawut then continued to verbally assault him and display threatening behavior, all witnessed by at least two police officers and journalists from at least four news outlets who captured video and audio of the entire incident.
When Somchai stood up and asked police to intervene to prevent further chaos, Natthawut walked up and snatched the hat from his head. This action constitutes property damage, and Somchai sustained abrasions on both legs. Damage to the bicycle is still being assessed. Somchai stated he will consult his personal lawyer to file additional charges of assault causing injury and property damage, and will consider opposing bail. He is also considering filing charges related to bullying and harassment discrimination, pending legal advice.
Somchai characterized the behavior as an attempt to intimidate and frighten him into abandoning his activism, and noted it was carried out recklessly in a government facility in front of police. He called on the public to judge based on the media's video and audio evidence and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the case fully without compromise, hoping this will be the last such incident he experiences.
