Bangkok: Prosecutors have dismissed the collusion case involving senators, instructing the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to delve further into five crucial issues.
According to Thai News Agency, the Special Cases Division 1 of the Public Prosecutor's Office has mandated additional investigations to ensure all evidence aligns comprehensively with the Election Commission's (EC) investigation process regarding Special Case No. 24/2568. This case centers on alleged conspiracy and money laundering in the Senate elections.
On January 16, 2026, a directive was sent to the DSI Director-General, outlining the need for further examination of five key areas. These areas include consolidating the case files of eight initial suspects with those of seven other groups involved, utilizing all evidence from the EC's investigation, reviewing financial transactions, investigating justice petitions from reserve senators, and conducting a thorough investigation until a definitive conclusion is reached. Analysts interpret this as a 'return of the case' pending the EC's decision on the alleged offense under the Election Act, particularly Section 77 (1) of the Act on the Acquisition of Members of the Senate B.E. 2018.
The EC's ongoing case concerning alleged collusion remains under review by Sub-Committee No. 36 for Adjudication, with the evidence yet to be transferred to the DSI. This delay is impeding the investigation's progress. Prosecutors have also instructed the DSI to interview all 1,200 witnesses, as over 700 interviews have been completed so far, and to widen the probe to include seven suspected groups, encompassing decision-makers, system designers, candidate recruiters, and the 141 senators listed.
According to sources, the final decision by the EC's full board will significantly influence the DSI's case trajectory. Although pursuing criminal conspiracy and money laundering charges independently is legally feasible, practical confirmation of guilt still necessitates reliance on EC's investigative facts. The DSI is committed to expediting information coordination and ensuring fairness for all parties.