Politicians Defend iLaw Director, Urge State Protection for Whistleblowers

Civil society is preparing a major rally at parliament on July 26 to expose Senate election fraud and give voice to witnesses, while offering support to Pao iLaw (Yingcheep Atchanont), director of the Internet for People Law Project (iLaw), and other courageous whistleblowers. Political leaders including Deputy Opposition Leader Pricha Wattanasing will attend the event titled "Stop the Senate Fraud Scheme: Expose the Truth, Open the Witnesses' Hearts," which will invite the public, alternate senators, and former 2567 Senate candidates to participate.

Online campaigns are also supporting Pao iLaw and all whistleblowers with the message "You will never walk alone," vowing to continue fighting until the Election Commission (EC) files charges in court. Police General Thawee Sodsong, a party-list MP and Palang Pracharath Party leader, emphasized that society must protect those brave enough to expose Senate election fraud, citing a 2569 Constitutional Court ruling that establishes five key principles: strict standards for ministerial conduct and oversight; integrity as paramount; serious ethical violations resulting in lifetime disqualification from office; the state's duty to protect whistleblowers; and the need for the EC and DSI to work transparently together without political interference.

Meanwhile, Abhisit Vejjajiva, a party-list MP and Democrat Party leader, criticized politicians for filing defamation suits against Pao iLaw following his disclosure of nine individuals allegedly involved in the Senate fraud case, noting that the EC cannot withstand public scrutiny by silencing whistleblowers.