Ombudsman Asks EC for Clarification on Ballot Barcode Issue within 7 Days

Thairath•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Ombudsman's Office has requested an explanation from the Election Commission within seven days regarding the legality of printing barcodes on ballot papers.

•The Ombudsman's Office has formally requested an explanation from the Election Commission (EC) regarding the barcodes on ballot papers.
•The EC must provide clarification within seven days as to whether the barcodes violate the constitution and election law.
•The complaint alleges that barcodes could allow tracing of votes, potentially violating Article 85 of the Constitution and Section 96 of the Election of Members of Parliament Act.

Overview

•On February 16, 2026, the Ombudsman's Office sent a letter to the Election Commission.
•The Ombudsman's Office requested the Election Commission to clarify the issue concerning barcodes on ballot papers.
•The request for clarification is due to a complaint alleging that printing barcodes on ballot papers may violate the Constitution.
•The Election Commission is required to provide a statement within 7 days regarding the barcode issue.
•Previously, on February 13, 12 complaints were filed with the Ombudsman's Office concerning election management.
•The Ombudsman's Office will review the EC's clarification and submit the case to the Constitutional Court if deemed valid.
•If the Ombudsman's Office finds the complaint lacks merit, the matter will be dismissed.
•On February 26, the Senate will consider the appointment of the third Ombudsman during a special session of the Parliament.

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Source: Thairath (Original)

Key Entities

Organization

Ombudsman's Office(ผู้ตรวจการแผ่นดิน)

The organization that received a complaint and is investigating the legality of barcodes on ballot papers.

Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)

The organization responsible for managing elections, which has been asked to clarify the issue of barcodes on ballot papers.

Constitutional Court(ศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ)

The judicial body that will rule on the case if the Ombudsman's Office finds the Election Commission's actions to be unconstitutional.

Parliament(รัฐสภา)

The legislative body where the Senate will convene for a special session to consider Ombudsman appointments.

Law

Constitution(รัฐธรรมนูญ)

The supreme law of Thailand, which is being investigated for potential violation by the Election Commission's actions regarding ballot paper barcodes.

Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament B.E. 2018(พระราชบัญญัติประกอบรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยการเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภาผู้แทนราษฎร พ.ศ. 2018)

The specific law under which the Election Commission's use of barcodes on ballot papers is being scrutinized for potential violation.

Person

Mr. Phatarapong Suphakson(นายภัทรพงศ์ ศุภักษร)

One of the individuals who filed a complaint with the Ombudsman's Office regarding the barcode issue on ballot papers.

Attorney An Buriram(ทนายอั๋น บุรีรัมย์)

A nickname for Mr. Phatarapong Suphakson, a complainant in the barcode on ballot paper case.

Mr. Thanakwin Rattanawutangkul(นายทันกวินท์ รัฐวัฒก์อังกูร)

A businessman and independent academic who filed a complaint with the Ombudsman's Office regarding the barcode issue on ballot papers.

Mr. Songsak Saichuea(นายทรงศัก สายเชื้อ)

The President of the Ombudsman's Office.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Yutthana Sa-nguanphokhai(พล.ต.ท.ยุทธนา สงวนโภคัย)

An Ombudsman.

Senator (S.W.)(สมาชิกวุฒิสภา (สว.))

Members of the Senate who will consider the appointment of the third Ombudsman.