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Ombudsman probes election barcodes, demands EC answer in 7 days.

Ombudsman probes election barcodes, demands EC answer in 7 days.

Matichon•Politics•22h ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's Ombudsman Office has formally requested an explanation from the Election Commission (EC) regarding the use of barcodes and QR codes on ballots, amid concerns these may violate constitutional provisions for secret voting.

  • •The Ombudsman received 12 complaints related to election management, including 3 specifically requesting a constitutional court review of the ballot barcode issue.
  • •The EC has been given 7 days to clarify whether the barcodes on election ballots could compromise voter secrecy and potentially reveal voting choices.
  • •Multiple legal and academic groups, alongside student networks, have filed lawsuits and statements alleging irregularities in the February 8, 2026 election, including issues with secret voting, vote counting, and ballot collection.

Overview

  • •On February 13, 2026, 12 complaints were filed with the Ombudsman concerning election management.
  • •The Ombudsman Office sent a letter to the Election Commission requesting clarification on ballot barcodes and QR codes.
  • •The request for clarification is due to concerns that ballot barcodes could compromise voter secrecy and reveal voting choices.
  • •The Election Commission is required to provide clarification within 7 days.
  • •The Ombudsman's inquiry stems from three specific complaints, including those filed by Phatcharaphong Suphakson and Thanakawin Ratthawatangkul.
  • •On February 8, 2026, a lawsuit was filed against the Election Commission and its Secretary-General by student networks at the Administrative Court.
  • •Student networks alleged that the February 8, 2026 election was unlawful due to the use of ballot barcodes that could identify voters.
  • •The Ombudsman will review the EC's clarification and may forward the case to the Constitutional Court if deemed valid.

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Key Entities

Organization

Ombudsman(ผู้ตรวจการแผ่นดิน)ℹ️
The independent state agency responsible for investigating and resolving complaints against public officials and government agencies in Thailand.
Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)ℹ️
The governmental body responsible for overseeing and managing general elections in Thailand.
Constitutional Court(ศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ)ℹ️
The supreme judicial body in Thailand responsible for constitutional interpretation and adjudication.
Administrative Court(ศาลปกครอง)ℹ️
A court in Thailand that handles administrative law cases, including lawsuits against government agencies like the EC.
9-Institution Student Network(เครือข่ายนักศึกษา 9 สถาบัน)
A coalition of student groups from nine universities filing a lawsuit against the EC regarding alleged election malpractices.
Chulalongkorn University(จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
Thammasat University(ม.ธรรมศาสตร์)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
Kasetsart University(ม.เกษตรศาสตร์)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
Khon Kaen University(ม.ขอนแก่น)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang(สถาบันเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าคุณทหารลาดกระบัง)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
Chiang Mai University(ม.เชียงใหม่)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
Mae Fah Luang University(ม.แม่ฟ้าหลวง)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
Ramkhamhaeng University(ม.รามคำแหง)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
Srinakharinwirot University(มศว)ℹ️
One of nine universities whose students form a network suing the Election Commission over election integrity concerns.
Thammasat and Demonstration Group(กลุ่มธรรมศาสตร์และการชุมนุม)
A student collective whose coordinator is leading the legal action against the Election Commission.
Central Administrative Court(ศาลปกครองกลาง)
The court where the 9-institution student network filed their lawsuit against the Election Commission.
Academics, Lawyers, and Scholars Concerned About Honest and Fair Elections(คณาจารย์ นักกฎหมาย นักวิชาการ ผู้ห่วงใยต่อการเลือกตั้งที่สุจริตและเที่ยงธรรม)
A group of 209 individuals who have collectively signed a statement of concern regarding the Election Commission's conduct.

Law

Section 85(มาตรา 85)
A section of the Thai Constitution that is under scrutiny for potential violations related to election secrecy.
Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament(พระราชบัญญัติประกอบรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยการเลือกตั้ง ส.ส.)
The primary legislation governing parliamentary elections in Thailand.
Section 96(มาตรา 96)
A section of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament that is being examined for relevance to the barcode issue.

Person

Phatcharaphong Suphakson(นายภัทรพงศ์ ศุภักษร)
One of the individuals who filed a complaint with the Ombudsman regarding the election barcode issue.
Lawyer Aun Buriram(ทนายอั๋น บุรีรัมย์)
The alias for Phatcharaphong Suphakson, a complainant to the Ombudsman concerning the election barcodes.
Thanakawin Ratthawatangkul(นายทันกวินท์ รัฐวัฒก์อังกูร)
A businessman and independent academic who filed a complaint with the Ombudsman about election ballot barcodes.
Songsak Saichuea(นายทรงศัก สายเชื้อ)
The President of the Ombudsman, involved in the review of election-related complaints.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Yutthana Sa-nguanphokai(พล.ต.ท.ยุทธนา สงวนโภคัย)
An Ombudsman, participating in the official processes concerning election complaints.
Theerapat Suppiphitpaibool(นายธีรภัทร ศุภพิทักษ์ไพบูลย์)
Coordinator of the Thammasat and Demonstration group, leading the student network's lawsuit against the EC.