AI In-brief 22 Sept 09:02

EC votes to seek Constitutional Court ruling on Senator Thanagorn

The Election Commission (EC) has unanimously resolved to ask the Constitutional Court to rule on Senator Thanagorn Thawornchinnachot's status, alleging he was unqualified to contest the Senate election.
Thanagorn's disqualification stems from a 2011 conviction for illegal bookmaking, leading the EC to also petition the Supreme Court to revoke his voting rights and demand the return of all senatorial salaries and benefits.

AI In-brief Yesterday 12:02

Thailand’s Election Commission faces two major legal challenges

A new Appeal Court ruling empowers the public to directly sue Election Commission (EC) members for corruption, overturning a prior decision that required going through anti-corruption bodies.
This ruling provides a direct legal avenue for public skepticism regarding the Senate election's legitimacy and underscores accountability for independent organizations.
The EC also faces a challenge for its decision to petition the Constitutional Court, questioning the Supreme Court's jurisdiction over senator qualifications.
Legal experts contend that the EC cannot challenge the Supreme Court's authority, citing the constitutional principle of judicial independence.