Bangkok: Warning issued to Somchai and Thanarat regarding posts about election ballot barcodes, as they may constitute contempt of court. The Constitutional Court has cautioned Somchai Srisutthiyakorn and Thanarat Kuawattanaphan to exercise discretion in their social media posts concerning the ongoing investigation into the barcode on the election ballot paper. The Court emphasized that such posts could potentially disrupt the judicial process, thereby constituting contempt of court.
According to Thai News Agency, the Office of the Constitutional Court recently announced the warning following the dissemination of a document on Facebook on May 9, 2026. This document pertains to the Constitutional Court's directive for complainants in case No. T. 30/2569 to provide written opinions. The Court identified comments made by Somchai and Thanarat on Facebook profiles "Punn Pai Nai - Somchai Srisutthiyakorn" and "Thanarat Kuawattanaphan."
The Office of the Constitutional Court has informed these individuals that the case is under active consideration. Their actions, if not carefully managed, could influence the proceedings of the Constitutional Court. The warning advises them to ensure that their actions align with the freedom of expression rights guaranteed by the Constitution, avoiding any breach of Section 38 of the Constitutional Court Procedure Act B.E. 2561 (2018) and Clause 10 of the Constitutional Court's Regulations on Constitutional Case Procedure B.E. 2562 (2019).
Reporters have explained that Section 38 of the Constitutional Court Procedure Act empowers the court to maintain order during proceedings. This includes regulating the behavior of individuals within or around court premises. It allows the court to issue orders to uphold public order or morality, ensuring peaceful and efficient court operations. Furthermore, Clause 10 of the Constitutional Court's Regulations prohibits the distortion of facts or legal principles, as well as bad faith criticism or the use of inflammatory language regarding court orders or rulings.
Following the warning, Somchai promptly deleted his Facebook post questioning the ballot barcode. He confirmed his compliance with the Court's directive.
Reporters noted that after the warning was publicized, Somchai's Facebook page "Punn Pai Nai" shared the Constitutional Court's press release. The post conveyed his acknowledgment of the warning, the deletion of past posts, and requested followers to refrain from making critical comments.