Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (EC) has taken a proactive step by deciding to dispatch a team to investigate unusual cash withdrawals, requesting information from the Governor of the Bank of Thailand. This move is aimed at ensuring the integrity of the ongoing electoral process. According to Thai News Agency, the EC announced on January 29th that its Deputy Secretary-General for Investigation will be tasked with obtaining details concerning the suspicious withdrawals, which predominantly involved 500 or 100 baht banknotes. These transactions occurred during the election period, prompting concerns that they might be linked to activities contravening election or political party laws. Secretary-General of the EC, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, underscored the need for transparency and adherence to legal standards, leading to the EC's decision to exercise its authority under Section 32 of the Organic Act on the Election Commission. This section empowers the Commission to request pertinent documents from the Ba nk of Thailand to aid their investigation. The Deputy Secretary-General for Investigation is scheduled to visit the Bank of Thailand on January 30th to collect the required information. The Election Commission is also working towards establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bank of Thailand. This agreement would facilitate the EC's access to necessary information without the need for separate written requests on each occasion. The aim is to uphold the fairness and legality of the election process. The relevant office has been instructed to handle this significant matter. Section 32 of the Organic Act on the Election Commission allows the Election Commission to request the assistance of financial institutions, including the Bank of Thailand, in cases where there is credible evidence or reasonable suspicion of violations of election and political party laws. The Anti-Money Laundering Office is also mandated to report relevant transactions, ensuring comprehensive oversight of the financial act ivities of political parties, officeholders, and candidates. This provision reinforces the EC's commitment to conducting elections transparently and lawfully.