Thai Pride Party Official Denies Role in Senate Selection Scheme

Speaking at the Government House on September 15, government minister and Thai Pride Party parliamentarian Phraratchadee Panya Nanthagun responded to allegations made by Ekkarat Changlen, a former Khon Kaen parliamentarian from the Thai Pride Party, who testified as witness 16/26 in an election commission inquiry. Ekkarat claimed that Phraratchadee had devised the system used to select Senate members. Phraratchadee dismissed the accusation, saying he is not smart enough to invent such a complex scheme to secure Senate seats.

Phraratchadee noted that the election commission chairman acknowledged Ekkarat had made accusations, but after examining corroborating witnesses and evidence—including software and hiring records—no supporting proof was found. Ekkarat later recanted his testimony, further weakening the case against Phraratchadee, who maintains neither he, the party leadership, nor Thai Pride Party was involved in securing Senate seats.

Regarding potential legal action against the election commission or iLaw, a civil rights organization that publicized the allegations, Phraratchadee said he has consistently called for respect for the rule of law and is prepared to defend himself in court if charged. He noted that the election commission charged 77 people based on adequate evidence, and the courts will ultimately determine guilt or innocence.

Phraratchadee expressed concern that a coordinated campaign may be underway to discredit and dismantle Thai Pride Party by targeting party leadership, executives, and secretary-general—moves he suggested could be intended to trigger party dissolution. He reiterated that the entire case rests on witness 16/26's testimony, which has not been corroborated and was later retracted, making it difficult for independent bodies and the courts to rely upon it.