Senators Accuse Former Constitutional Court Chief of Disrespecting Senate
Former Constitutional Court Chief Nakornthai Mekhairat faced sharp criticism from senators on September 11 for making unsubstantiated claims that questioned the Senate's political legitimacy and falsely attributed damaging statements to the
Senators roundly criticized former Constitutional Court President Nakornthai Mekhairat for allegedly disparaging the Senate and damaging its reputation with unsubstantiated claims. At 10:00 a.m. on September 11, 2025, at parliament, Senator Phisit Abhiwatpongse and several other senators issued a statement regarding Nakornthai's comments suggesting the Senate has low political legitimacy because it is based on a self-selection system.
The senators also disputed his claim that Meechai Ruchuphan, chair of the 2017 Constitutional Drafting Committee, once said the Senate system design was the biggest mistake made by the drafting committee. Meechai subsequently denied ever meeting or discussing this matter with Nakornthai.
Senator Phisit said the Senate believes Nakornthai's remarks directly damage the Senate as an institution and also harm Meechai. The senators outlined five points in response:
1. Nakornthai's comments amount to contempt and disrespect toward the Senate. Sweeping claims that all 200 senators lack political legitimacy are demeaning to the institution and undermine the credibility and dignity of all members who entered office through the process established by the 2017 Constitution, without regard to individual qualifications and performance.
2. Nakornthai's allegation is highly suspect and contradicts facts, as Meechai has explicitly denied ever saying this or meeting Nakornthai. The senators asked Nakornthai to provide evidence of the conversation he claims took place.
3. Nakornthai's misrepresentation could damage the reputation of Meechai and the 2017 Constitutional Drafting Committee, potentially giving the public the false impression that the drafters themselves admitted to making mistakes in the rules—contradicting Meechai's explicit denial.
4. Nakornthai is misleading the public into believing current senators lack constitutional standing or authority. In fact, all 200 senators entered office through processes established by the Constitution and law. Criticism of the system should be clearly distinguished from attacks that undermine the Senate's legitimacy as a whole, and should not rely on unverified claims to confuse the public.
5. Nakornthai's conduct raises concerns about his judgment in past high-level positions, including his decade-long tenure as Constitutional Court president. Given his influence, his statements require careful scrutiny and verification.
