Bangkok: "Ruangrai" has expressed skepticism over the possibility of invalidating the recent election results due to the complexity involved in verifying millions of barcodes on ballots.
According to Thai News Agency, Ruangrai Leekitwattana, a former Bangkok MP candidate from the Palang Pracharath Party, has submitted a petition to the Election Commission after resigning from the party. He argued that while the election results might not be declared invalid, validating the barcodes on millions of ballots presents a significant challenge. Ruangrai emphasized that even those in authority would require a valid reason to access ballot boxes, and he advised complainants to thoroughly review relevant laws before proceeding.
Ruangrai explained his resignation from the Palang Pracharath Party, citing the party's limited representation with only one list MP and four constituency MPs as a factor. He recounted informing General Prawit Wongsuwan, the party's chief advisor, of his decision. Despite the resignation, Ruangrai remains uncertain about his future political affiliations but plans to pursue independent investigations into barcode-related issues and SpectrumZ.
Addressing calls to invalidate the election, Ruangrai noted that those raising the issue might lack sufficient legal understanding. He highlighted that the matter of direct and secret elections is covered in Sections 83 and 85 of the law, but complainants have not emphasized this point. Although complaints were filed with the Ombudsman and the Administrative Court, no ruling has been issued yet, only a registration of a case number.
Ruangrai questioned the feasibility of verifying the ownership of 30-40 million ballots, noting the absence of a necessity to open ballot boxes for inspection. While he understands the Election Commission's explanation, he raised concerns about whether it exceeds the Terms of Reference agreed with the printing company. He urged the Election Commission to investigate discrepancies in ballot counts, suggesting that if election results appear unfair, it might not relate to direct and secret voting but rather to unfairness.
On the issue of political parties collecting Laser ID data, Ruangrai remarked that consent from both parties would be required, though legal coverage remains uncertain. He dismissed comparisons between Laser ID collection and barcode usage on ballots as overthinking.
Regarding the SPECTRE-C case involving the People's Party, Ruangrai expressed interest, noting the potential consequences if the party is found to have interfered or benefited from company shares. He commended Ms. Pannika Wanich's efforts but warned of possible backlash. Ruangrai indicated that while a full investigation would be complex, his current focus is on government formation.