Bangkok: Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has publicly mocked the Election Commission, accusing them of being reeling from a lawsuit concerning a barcode scanning issue and daring them not to retract it.
According to Thai News Agency, Somchai, a former Election Commissioner, used this situation to assert that the Election Commission has filed false reports and harassed citizens. He is preparing a countersuit under Section 157, which involves seeking compensation for defamation. This action follows Somchai's appearance on a list of individuals being prosecuted by the Election Commission for allegedly obstructing the election due to the incorporation of barcodes and QR codes on ballots.
Somchai stated that the complaint should not be withdrawn, emphasizing that once the police issue summons for the charges, it will reveal how the Election Commission has used its position to file false charges or maliciously harm the public. If a false report is found to be filed, the accused plans to file a counter-complaint under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the abuse of power by a public official to harass and harm citizens. Somchai argues that the victim has suffered damages due to legal fees, lost professional opportunities, and defamation, thus necessitating a civil lawsuit to seek appropriate compensation from the Election Commission. Additionally, he emphasized that if the Commission is found at fault, they should bear the financial burden personally, rather than using taxpayer money.
Somchai further remarked that the court proceedings would allow for the exercise of judicial power to summon all undisclosed evidence from the Election Commission. This includes terms of reference for ballot printing, contracts, inspection reports, meeting minutes, and evidence from the ballot box opening, all of which could lead to additional legal action. He also expressed his gratitude for the Election Commission's response.