Bangkok: The names of six individuals facing legal action from the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) have been disclosed in a high-profile case concerning the decoding of election ballots. These individuals are being charged with obstructing the election, criminal conspiracy, incitement, and importing false information.
According to Thai News Agency, the ECT assigned Mr. Krachit Charoeninth, Deputy Secretary-General of the ECT, to file a police report against a group involved in photographing ballot papers and stubs, and attempting to decode QR codes on the ballot papers. This incident took place during the re-voting at polling station 9, constituency 15, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok, on February 22, 2026. The ECT has officially filed charges against six individuals, including Mr. Thammathee Sukchotirat, Mr. Thanarat Kuawattanaphan, Mr. Chaipon Chavalavanichchai, Mr. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu, and Mr. Songphol Ruangsamut.
These individuals are being prosecuted under the Election Commission Act 2017, the Criminal Code, and the Computer Crime Act. The offenses include obstructing the performance of duties by the Election Commission and inciting unrest among the public, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment of up to 10 years.
The Election Commission Act 2017, Section 66, outlines penalties for obstructing the duties of election officials, with imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or fines up to 100,000 baht. The Criminal Code's Section 116 and Section 209 address inciting unrest and being part of a criminal organization, respectively, with penalties of up to 7 years of imprisonment. Section 322 deals with the unauthorized opening of documents, punishable by up to six months of imprisonment. The Computer Crime Act, Section 14, relates to importing false information into computer systems, with penalties of up to 5 years of imprisonment.
The case highlights significant legal challenges related to election integrity and the potential ramifications for those involved in electoral misconduct.