Senator Demands Orange Coalition Testify Before Election Commission
A Thai senator has demanded that opposition-aligned colleagues testify before the Election Commission, questioning the transparency of a pre-election meeting held in Bangkok where he says funds were collected and attendees wore coded wristb
At 9 a.m. on September 20, 2026, Senator Pisit Abhiwatpongse addressed the opposition-aligned meeting where Senator Nanthana Nanthawaropass participated, noting that blue-faction members were reportedly removed. Pisit cited a senate candidates' meeting at the Jupiter Room in Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, held one day before elections, and raised five concerns: First, he questioned whether the Election Commission was formally invited, as Senator Pannika Wanich had mentioned but did not provide clear details. Second, he noted contradictory statements from Senator Tewritthi Manichaya, who claimed the event was not organized by iLaw yet registered via senate67, an iLaw project. Third, he questioned whether benefits were exchanged, given venue costs and a donation box present at the event with no accounting of funds collected. Fourth, he asked why prospective senators had to answer Article 112-related questions and why phones were confiscated if the meeting was transparent. Fifth, he challenged the purpose of three-colored wristbands—white, green, and blue—noting that if representing professions, there should be 20 colors for 20 occupations. He observed that senators wearing the same color as Tewritthi and Nanthana became members, questioning whether all wearers of that color were elected. Pisit called for equal investigation standards applied to all 138 senators as those accused, stating he seeks fairness and consistent scrutiny, not punitive measures. When asked what it reflects that orange-faction senators have not testified to the Election Commission, Pisit noted that all 138 accused senators have fully cooperated and provided complete information, suggesting that innocent parties should do the same.
