Senator Avoids Media After Court Accepts Complaint Over Election Eligibility
A senator withdrew from a provincial media tour after a court accepted a petition challenging her election eligibility, claiming she registered under the wrong occupational group.
On September 18, 2569, the Senate had planned a meet-the-media tour across Trat province from September 18-20, originally scheduled to involve 17 senators led by General Kriengsak Sriraksa, the Senate's first vice-chair. That visit was cancelled due to official duties. The Senate office had earlier confirmed that Dang Kongma, serving as deputy chair of the Senate's political development committee, would participate in the tour.
However, on September 17, news emerged that a court had accepted a petition filed under Section 44 of the 2561 Senate Member Selection Act, brought by Akrawat Pongthanachalitkul of the alternate senator group. The petition challenges Dang Kongma and Somphan Palasakdi, a senator from Amnat Charoen province, claiming they lack the proper qualifications because they registered under the wrong occupational group. The court accepted the petition and scheduled witness hearings.
Following the news, Dang announced her withdrawal from the media tour just one day before departure. When reporters called to ask about her legal response, Dang said she was busy and hung up. Somphan also cut short the call, saying he was driving.
The Senate tour was designed to monitor progress on public grievances related to the Khlong Prao reservoir construction project and the Chang Island ring road project. It also included a forum titled "Kood Island's Path to Border Security" featuring Pisut Rattanawong, chair of the Senate committee promoting a public engagement programme in the eastern region, and Admiral Rungrojn Inthra, a senator.
