Bangkok: Dr. Nat pointed out that the leaked ballot papers from the final Senate election in 2024 "have no bearing on the Senate collusion case." If there is evidence of collusion involving the "Orange Party" Senate candidates, it is a criminal case and a complaint can be filed within the statute of limitations.
According to Thai News Agency, the political exchange between Senator Nanthana Nanvaropas and Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, a Bhumjaithai Party list MP, over allegations of collusion in the "Orange Party" Senate elections to create "People's Senators," has sparked significant attention. Subsequently, mathematician Roy Khunpongthong posted from overseas via social media, revealing the final Senate election ballots. Dr. Nattawut Wongniem, or "Dr. Nat," a renowned public law expert, shared his insights on the matter. He described Senator Nanthana's use of the Thai proverb "eating lime and feeling guilty" as merely a political counter to the allegations, devoid of legal grounding. Dr. Nat emphasized adhering to Article 219 of the Constitution and ethical standards for Members of Parliament. He urged that any evidence of collusion should be presented for criminal prosecution, citing the 10-year statute of limitations under the Criminal Procedure Code.
The Election Commission (EC) had been alerted to the complaints challenging the Senate election results. Although the EC has the power under Section 41 of the Senate Act to initiate investigations, the time limit for action may have expired. Dr. Nat noted that those involved in the alleged collusion within the "Orange" Senate faction could still petition the EC to revoke their candidacy rights and initiate an investigation. He remained skeptical about the credibility of Ms. Nanthana's affiliation with the "People's Senate" group. Addressing Mr. Roy Khunpongthong's social media activities, Dr. Nat clarified that the leaked election ballot data, part of the 2024 Senate election process, is securely stored by the EC at multiple levels. The ballots themselves could serve as evidence if relevant, although the focus remains on preventing election fraud.
Dr. Nat revealed that the voting slips tied to the Senate election fraud are critical evidence components. However, he asserted that proving collusion in the fraud case demands more than speculation and belief. It requires linking the alleged perpetrators to the Senate candidates. Mr. Roy Khunpongthong's foreign-based social media disclosures regarding the ballots are unlikely to influence the Election Commission's final decision.
The plaintiff's evidence file includes conspiracy allegations to seize legislative power and payment evidence for Senate election ballots. Dr. Nat underscored that the conspiracy, if any, occurred before the district-level application process, not during the final selection at the provincial or national levels. Disclosure of recordings beyond the destruction period regulated by the Election Commission requires further inquiry into their necessity during the case. The focus remains on the "conspiracy to seize legislative power" rather than the "Senate election ballots." Mr. Roy Khunpongthong's analysis, conducted from abroad, reflects his personal beliefs without vested interest, dismissing claims of being a tool for undermining the Election Commission. The information he obtained points to no external groups apart from those attempting to pressure the Election Commission with document threats.