EC Clears 21 Bhumjaithai Members in Senate Collusion Case

Thairath•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Election Commission of Thailand resolved to clear 21 Bhumjaithai Party members of charges related to Senate election interference while ordering the prosecution of 26 senators.

•On September 15, 2026, the Election Commission (EC) processed individual votes for 427 accused persons across 7 allegations.
•21 accused individuals from the Bhumjaithai Party were cleared of charges via a 5:2 majority vote.
•The EC voted 4:3 to prosecute 26 senators for violating candidate introduction regulations and offering assets to influence votes.

Overview

•On September 15, 2026, reports were released regarding the Election Commission's resolutions at the Election Commission office.
•The Election Commission voted on 427 accused individuals across 7 charges, with most decisions reached by majority votes of 4:3, 5:2, and 6:1.
•The Election Commission voted 4:3 to prosecute 26 senators for violating the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators 2017, Sections 77 (1) (3), 79, and 81.
•21 accused individuals from the Bhumjaithai Party were cleared of charges under Section 76 of the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators 2017 by a 5:2 vote.
•The minority votes against clearing the Bhumjaithai Party members were cast by Mr. Sitthichot Intharawiset and Mr. Chai Nakhonchai.
•The Election Commission reached a unanimous decision to prosecute Mr. Sorachat Wichay Suwanphrom from Group 13 in Nong Bua Lamphu province.
•Evidence of financial trails and Line chats was found between Mr. Sorachat Wichay Suwanphrom and Mr. Subin Sakda.
•Mr. Subin Sakda, an assistant to MP Phichai Chomphuphon, was found to have transferred money to Mr. Worapot Tangphanpian and Ms. Nisita Mankhai, both of whom were prosecuted by the Election Commission.

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Key Entities

Organization

Election Commission(คณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง)

The body responsible for resolving cases regarding Senate election collusion.

Bhumjaithai Party(พรรคภูมิใจไทย)ℹ️

A political party whose 21 accused members were cleared by the Election Commission.

Law

Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators 2017(พ.ร.ป. ว่าด้วยการได้มาซึ่ง สว. 2560)

The law governing the selection of senators and prohibiting political party interference.

Person

Sitthichot Intharawiset(สิทธิโชติ อินทรวิเศษ)

One of the two minority voters who voted against clearing the Bhumjaithai Party members.

Chai Nakhonchai(ชาย นครชัย)

One of the two minority voters who voted against clearing the Bhumjaithai Party members.

Sorachat Wichay Suwanphrom(สรชาติ วิชย สุวรรณพรหม)

A candidate from Group 13 in Nong Bua Lamphu province who was unanimously prosecuted.

Subin Sakda(สุบิน ศักดา)

An assistant to MP Phichai Chomphuphon who was linked to financial transfers to other accused individuals.

Phichai Chomphuphon(พิชัย ชมภูพล)

A Bhumjaithai Party MP from Surat Thani whose assistant is Mr. Subin Sakda.

Worapot Tangphanpian(วรพจน์ ตั้งพันธุ์เพียร)

An individual prosecuted by the Election Commission after receiving money from Mr. Subin Sakda.

Nisita Mankhai(นิสิตา หมั่นไชย)

An individual prosecuted by the Election Commission after receiving money from Mr. Subin Sakda.

Place

Nong Bua Lamphu(หนองบัวลำภู)ℹ️

The province associated with the group of Mr. Sorachat Wichay Suwanphrom.

Surat Thani(สุราษฎร์ธานี)ℹ️

The province representing MP Phichai Chomphuphon.