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Ombudsman Demands Election Commission Clarify Ballot Barcode Issue in 7 Days

Ombudsman Demands Election Commission Clarify Ballot Barcode Issue in 7 Days

Prachachat•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Ombudsman is demanding the Election Commission provide an explanation within seven days regarding the use of barcodes on election ballots, before deciding whether to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court.

  • •The Ombudsman's Office has contacted the Election Commission (EC) for clarification on the use of barcodes and QR codes on election ballots.
  • •Concerns have been raised that these codes might violate the constitution and election laws by potentially allowing traceability of voters' choices.
  • •The EC has been given a 7-day deadline to respond, after which the Ombudsman will decide whether to petition the Constitutional Court or dismiss the complaints.
  • •The issue stems from three separate complaints filed on February 13, 2026, including one from lawyer Phatthraphong Supakorn.

Overview

  • •On February 13, 2026, three complaints were filed with the Ombudsman's Office concerning election management, resulting in a formal inquiry.
  • •The Ombudsman's Office sent a letter to the Election Commission on February 16, requesting clarification on election ballot barcodes.
  • •The clarification is required because the use of barcodes and QR codes on election ballots may potentially violate Article 85 of the Constitution and Section 96 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament.
  • •The Election Commission is required to provide an explanation within 7 days of receiving the Ombudsman's letter.
  • •After receiving the EC's explanation, the Ombudsman's Office will review the case and present it to the Ombudsman committee.
  • •The Ombudsman committee will decide whether to forward the case to the Constitutional Court if the complaints are deemed valid, or to close the case if no grounds are found.
  • •The current Ombudsman consists of two members: President Songsak Sai Chuea and Police Lieutenant General Yutthana Sa-nguanphokhai.
  • •A third Ombudsman position is currently undergoing the selection process.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Source: Prachachat (Original)

Key Entities

Organization

Ombudsman's Office(ผู้ตรวจการแผ่นดิน)
The governmental body responsible for investigating complaints of injustice or malfeasance.
Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)
The governmental body responsible for overseeing elections in Thailand.
Constitutional Court(ศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ)
The court responsible for ruling on the constitutionality of laws and acts.

Law

Constitution(รัฐธรรมนูญ)
The supreme law of Thailand, which outlines the framework of government and fundamental rights.
Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament(พระราชบัญญัติประกอบรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยการเลือกตั้ง ส.ส.)
A specific law that governs the procedures and regulations for electing Members of Parliament in Thailand.

Person

Phatthraphong Supakorn(นายภัทรพงศ์ ศุภักษร)
One of the individuals who filed a complaint regarding the election ballot barcodes.
Lawyer Aun Buriram(ทนายอั๋น บุรีรัมย์)
A lawyer and advocate identified as Phatthraphong Supakorn, who filed a complaint about election ballot barcodes.
Thunkawin Ratthawattanakul(นายทันกวินท์ รัฐวัฒก์อังกูร)
A businessman and independent academic who filed a complaint related to the election ballot barcodes.
Songsak Sai Chuea(นายทรงศัก สายเชื้อ)
The President of the Ombudsman's Office.
Police Lieutenant General Yutthana Sa-nguanphokhai(พล.ต.ท.ยุทธนา สงวนโภคัย)
An Ombudsman.

Timeline

February 16(16 กุมภาพันธ์)
The date the Ombudsman's Office sent a letter to the EC requesting clarification.
February 13, 2026(13 ก.พ.69)
The date three complaints were filed with the Ombudsman's Office.