Backlash grows over EC legal action against six in ballot filming case

By

-

28 February 2026, 16:41

BANGKOK — 28 February 2026, Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) is facing mounting criticism after filing criminal complaints against six individuals over ballot photography and alleged attempts to decode ballot barcodes during a Bangkok re-run election.

The statement follows criticism over the EC’s decision to file a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division regarding incidents that occurred during the re-run of the general election on 22 February 2026 at Polling Station 9 in Khannayao District.

Who is named in the complaint

Thai media report that the six individuals named in the EC’s complaint include:

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former Election Commissioner
Parit Wacharasindhu, a People’s Party spokesperson
Thammathir Sukchotirat, a technology academic
Thanarat Kuwattanapan, a blockchain entrepreneur
Chaipan Chawalawanichai, an online commentator
Songpol Ruangsamut, chief photographer at Spacebar

The EC has confirmed it filed the complaint with the Crime Suppression Division but has not publicly released the full legal document.

Alleged offences

The EC’s complaint includes a series of serious criminal charges under the Penal Code and related laws:

Membership of an illegal secret organisation under Section 209 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for organisers or leaders.
Sedition or incitement under Section 116 of the Criminal Code, punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment, for allegedly stirring unrest or encouraging violations of the law.
Obstruction of the EC’s duties, in connection with alleged interference in the administration of the election.
Offences under Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act, for allegedly importing or disseminating false information in a manner said to affect national security or public order.
Unlawfully opening sealed documents, reportedly under Section 322 of the Criminal Code.

The commission stressed that voting under the 2017 Constitution must be direct and secret, and said any attempt to identify how individuals voted would constitute electoral fraud.

It further alleged that the installation of cameras near the polling station discouraged some voters from casting ballots.

The EC rejected claims that it is targeting ordinary citizens or the media, noting that more than 100 members of the public and press observed the vote without facing legal action. It said the complaint applies only to individuals it believes acted in coordination and with dishonest intent.

Reactions from agencies and opposition

Opposition figures have criticised the EC’s approach, arguing that raising questions about ballot barcodes and election transparency should not be criminalised.

The People’s Party described the complaint as resembling a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), warning it could impose heavy legal burdens and deter public scrutiny of the election process, while activist Sombat Boonngam-anong and Yingcheep Atchanont of iLaw likewise criticised the move as disproportionate and potentially chilling to citizen oversight.

Somchai has publicly questioned the EC’s interpretation of the law, while Parit has said transparency strengthens democratic legitimacy rather than undermines it.

Spacebar issued a statement describing the complaint against its photographer as intimidation, saying its staff were performing legitimate journalistic duties and did not violate the law.

The Thai Journalists Association has called on the EC to reconsider the case, warning that criminal charges against reporters covering elections could create a chilling effect on press freedom and public scrutiny.

Those raising the concern argue that the severity of the charges, which carry potential prison terms, risks discouraging election monitoring and public oversight. Others maintain that the EC is within its authority to enforce election law and protect ballot secrecy.

Post-election tensions deepen

The case has further contributed to an already tense post-election climate, fuelling public distrust over ballot security and transparency while adding pressure to an electoral process that has already faced scrutiny and delays in finalising results.

As investigators review the complaint, the case is expected to test the boundaries between election law enforcement and constitutional protections for transparency and democratic oversight.

Phuket officials raid unlicensed late-night venue

By

Khaosod English

-

28 February 2026, 13:56

PHUKET — 28 February 2026, Officials in Phuket raided an entertainment venue in Muang district overnight after complaints that foreign nationals were hosting drug-fuelled parties, authorities said.

The operation took place between 27 and 28 February 2026 in Muang district under the direction of district chief Pairoj Srilamul. The team was led by Akara Suwattikul, head of the district administrative group, and Thiti Bunyastian, assistant district chief for security affairs, along with members of the Volunteer Defence Corps, Company 1, Muang Phuket.

Officials inspected a venue located near the local slaughterhouse intersection in Talat Nuea subdistrict following reports of gatherings involving narcotics use.

During the inspection, officers arrested a 30-year-old Thai man identified as Koby, who identified himself as the venue manager. Authorities requested to see the establishment’s operating licence but were told none was available. The venue was unable to produce any relevant documentation for inspection.

Officers seized 12 items as evidence and charged the suspect with operating a service establishment — defined as a commercial venue providing food and alcohol with live music or other entertainment and closing after 24:00 — without a licence, in violation of the Entertainment Places Act B.E. 2509 (1966) and its amendments.

He was also charged with selling alcoholic beverages during prohibited hours under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008), Section 16 and Section 28 in conjunction with Section 39, and in accordance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee’s notification dated 1 December 2025 on prohibited sales hours.

The suspect and seized items were handed over to investigators at Phuket City Police Station for legal proceedings.

District officials said they would continue to strictly inspect entertainment venues in the area, particularly regarding closing times and alcohol sales restrictions, to maintain public order and prevent social problems.

Soldier stable after emergency surgery for landmine injuries

By

Khaosod English

-

28 February 2026, 13:53

Soldier stable after emergency surgery for landmine injuries

SURIN — 28 February 2026, A Thai army private seriously wounded in a landmine blast is in a stable condition after surgery and has been moved to an intensive care unit, doctors said on Saturday.

Dr. Chawamai Suebnukarn, director of Surin Hospital, said Private Dechsak Trikham, known as “Pek”, had shown steady improvement and was now out of danger.

The soldier, attached to Company 233 of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, stepped on an anti-personnel landmine near the Erawan operations base in Kab Choeng district, Surin province. The blast severed his right leg and left his left arm and leg injured by shrapnel. He was reported to be in a critical condition on arrival at hospital.

Doctors performed surgery lasting about two hours before transferring him to a sterile surgical intensive care unit for close monitoring.

“He initially lost a significant amount of blood and suffered from blood depletion, but we have replenished it. Overall, his condition has steadily improved and there is no immediate cause for concern,” Chawamai said. “However, we must continue to monitor for possible infection. The wound at the amputation site is improving significantly.”

Throughout the operation, Surin Hospital coordinated with medical staff at Phramongkutklao Hospital due to the extent of his blood loss, he added.

Private Dechsak appeared in good spirits, raising two fingers in a peace sign gesture of encouragement from his hospital bed, with his mother at his side.

His mother, Amkha Trikham, said she was relieved that her son was safe and recovering. She expressed gratitude after he received a royally bestowed artificial leg and a floral arrangement from Maha Vajiralongkorn. She also thanked the doctors and staff at Surin Hospital for their care.

Hospital officials said that once his condition stabilises further, he will be transferred to Phramongkutklao Hospital to formally receive the prosthetic limb.

Bank alert foils scam, four arrested in Chiang Mai

By

Khaosod English

-

28 February 2026, 12:04

Bank alert foils scam, four arrested in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI — 27 February 2026, Police arrested four people and seized 300,000 baht in cash on Thursday after a bank alerted officers to a suspected mule account linked to a call-centre scam, authorities said.

At about 15:55, officers from Police Region 5 were notified by the financial crime team at Krungthai Bank to check a customer attempting to withdraw 300,000 baht at its Pratu Chiang Mai branch in Chiang Mai province.

Officers arrived and found a woman, identified as 33-year-old Chuda Mangma from Khon Kaen, withdrawing the cash at the counter. Police seized the 300,000 baht, a bank book, an ATM card and a mobile phone. She admitted she had been instructed to open the account and withdraw the money and said the funds were not hers, investigators said.

Further inquiries led to the detention of three alleged accomplices who were monitoring and directing the withdrawal nearby: a 27-year-old Myanmar national identified as Arr Wai, described as the coordinator; a 37-year-old Myanmar national identified as Phipop, also known as Sang, who holds a pink card for stateless persons; and a 25-year-old man identified as Jongfu, also known as Afu, a person without civil registration status.

Police said one of the suspects was additionally charged under the Immigration Act 1979.

Financial records showed that prior to the withdrawal, a victim had transferred 300,000 baht into the account. The transfer is linked to an online fraud complaint filed in Saraburi province, with total reported losses of 2.4 million baht.

The arrests were made at about 16:20 at the Krungthai Bank branch on Chang Lor Road in tambon Phra Singh, Mueang Chiang Mai district. All four suspects were handed over to investigators at Mueang Chiang Mai police station for legal proceedings.

Police said the group told investigators they were acting on orders from a Chinese boss, with Thai nationals arranging hotel bookings, car rentals and expenses, and recruiting individuals to open accounts and withdraw cash. Authorities said they had evidence to pursue at least two additional suspects and would expand the investigation.

Former world champion Amnat Ruenroeng hospitalised after dog bite causes convulsions

By

Khaosod English

-

28 February 2026, 10:39

CHONBURI — 27 February 2026, Former world boxing champion Amnat Ruenroeng was rushed to hospital late Thursday night after suffering seizures and a high fever following a dog bite.

At 21:00, the Sawang Prateep rescue unit received a report of a man experiencing convulsions and a high fever at a house in Moo 8, Surasak subdistrict, Si Racha district.

Rescue workers found Amnat, a former IBF 112-pound flyweight world champion, with chills, a high fever and a wound on his knee.

He told responders he had been bitten by a dog two days earlier but had not informed his family because he did not want them to worry. He stayed home to rest but later developed chills and a worsening fever.

On Thursday evening, he suffered a seizure, prompting relatives to call for help.

Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting him to Somdet Phra Boromrachathewi Hospital at Si Racha for further treatment. Officials said he required urgent medical care for the dog bite and high fever, warning that without proper treatment the condition could become life-threatening.

Hundreds of votes shift in Suphan Buri recount

By

Khaosod English

-

28 February 2026, 10:11

Hundreds of votes shift in Suphan Buri recount

SUPHAN BURI — 28 February 2026, Thailand’s Election Commission has confirmed discrepancies after ordering a recount in five polling stations across two constituencies in Suphan Buri province, officials said.

The decision followed complaints submitted to the provincial Election Commission regarding alleged irregularities in the advance polling on 1 February 2026 and election day on 8 February 2026 general election for members of the House of Representatives.

Komkrit Thipsomboon, director of the Election Commission of Thailand office in Suphan Buri, said the commission reviewed reports from provincial and Bangkok officials as well as media coverage and objections concerning the conduct of polling station and counting committees.

Allegations included incomplete posting of candidate lists, reading out votes without clearly displaying ballot papers, marking tallies without transparency and announcing excess votes. The commission resolved to order a recount at five polling stations to ensure a fair and lawful process and to maintain public confidence.

The recount covered two constituency-based polling stations in Constituency 2 — Station 1 in Bang Ta Then subdistrict and Station 4 in Ban Chang subdistrict, both in Song Phi Nong district — and three party-list polling stations: Station 11 in Sanam Chai subdistrict, Mueang Suphan Buri district (Constituency 1); Station 1 in Bang Ta Then subdistrict (Constituency 2); and Station 4 in Ongkharak subdistrict, Bang Pla Ma district (Constituency 2).

Recounts were held on 27 February 2026 at 10:00 in Constituency 1 at the auditorium of Kansut Sueksa School, and at 09.00 in Constituency 2 at district offices in Bang Pla Ma and Song Phi Nong.

In the party-list recount at Station 11 in Constituency 1, observers from political parties monitored proceedings alongside local officials and police. Results showed minor discrepancies. The Bhumjaithai Party gained one vote, increasing from 178 to 179, while the People’s Party fell from 248 to 246. Other parties’ totals remained unchanged.

In Constituency 2, party-list recounts also found discrepancies. At Station 4 in Ongkharak subdistrict, two ballots previously deemed valid were reclassified as invalid. At Station 1 in Bang Ta Then subdistrict, the total rose from 198 votes in the initial count to 233 after the recount.

Significant differences were also recorded in the constituency-based vote at Station 1 in Bang Ta Then subdistrict, Constituency 2.

Nusara Srisangngam of the People’s Party saw her tally increase from 104 to 228 votes. Naphatsorn Chatchawalanon of the Palawat Party remained at three votes. Chaiporn Sithan of the Pheu Thai Party rose from 27 to 29.

Krit Sapprasert of the Democrat Party increased from three to four votes. Natthawut Prasertsuwan of the Bhumjaithai Party dropped sharply from 427 to 263 votes. Samphan Srisangngam of the Setthakit Party remained at nine votes, while Phongphichan Damapong of the Kla Tham Party rose from 46 to 55.

Invalid ballots at the station increased from seven to 23, while ballots marked as no vote rose from six to 55 after the recount, officials said.

Chiang Mai police arrest Chinese man on expired student visa

By

Khaosod English

-

28 February 2026, 09:36

Chiang Mai police arrest Chinese man on expired student visa

CHIANG MAI — 28 February 2026, Immigration police in Chiang Mai have arrested a Chinese national for overstaying his student visa, officials said.

Investigators from the Chiang Mai Immigration Office joined forces with the Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau Region 5 to inspect an area along Sirimangkalajarn Road in Suthep subdistrict, Mueang district, after receiving a tip-off that a foreigner was staying in the kingdom unlawfully.

Officers arrested one Chinese man on a charge of “being a foreigner remaining in the kingdom after permission had expired”. He was informed of the charge and his legal rights before being handed over to investigators at Phu Phing Ratchaniwet Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The suspect admitted he had been staying in Thailand on a Non-ED visa, issued to foreigners studying at accredited educational institutions in the country. After his permitted stay expired, he failed to depart or apply for an extension within the required period, leading to his arrest, officials said.

Thai FM says global community silent on Cambodia’s claims

By

Khaosod English

-

27 February 2026, 19:12

642326539_1369612845207799_7789221761453840460_n — Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow

BANGKOK — Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on 27 February briefed members of the diplomatic corps on the outcome of his visit to France and participation in the high-level segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), saying the international community has not reacted to statements made by Cambodia regarding Thailand.

Sihasak said he had met with the UNESCO Director-General, the French foreign minister and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and delivered an intervention in Geneva. A key focus was the Thailand–Cambodia situation. He said Thailand had sought to explain efforts to move bilateral relations forward, noting that in direct talks Cambodia had expressed a similar stance. However, he voiced disappointment that Cambodia’s public statements, including allegations that Thailand had encroached on territory, contradicted private discussions and did not reflect the facts.

He expressed concern over what he described as inaccurate information in Cambodian reports, saying Thailand had attempted to look ahead and rebuild ties, but Cambodia’s remarks had forced Bangkok to adjust its tone in response. “We prefer to speak constructively, but when Cambodia makes such statements, we must respond — even if we do so in a civil manner,” he said.

Sihasak stressed that Thailand’s primary objective at the HRC was to highlight online crime as a serious human rights violation affecting lives and property. He said Thailand presented factual information and did not attribute the problem to political instability or rule-of-law shortcomings in any country. Nevertheless, he said Thailand had again been compelled to address the bilateral issue after Cambodia repeated previous claims. Failing to respond would have left Thailand facing allegations alone, he added.

He said Thailand remains committed to restoring relations but cannot do so unilaterally. Cambodia, he said, has conveyed differing messages in various forums and media. He suggested Cambodia’s statements may be aimed at domestic audiences or at creating external pressure on Thailand by invoking the international community.

However, Sihasak noted that the global community has not expressed any position on Cambodia’s remarks. He said this likely reflects an understanding that the matter is best resolved bilaterally and that outside involvement could complicate the situation — a position consistent with Thailand’s preference for direct negotiations without external pressure.

Asked about next steps, Sihasak said “the ball is now in Cambodia’s court”, adding that Phnom Penh faces a choice between a peaceful path or one leading to conflict and loss. While Thailand is not afraid to defend its sovereignty, he said it would choose an approach that benefits both sides and avoids further damage.

Natty of Kiss of Life draws buzz in Korea with chud Thai appearance

By

Khaosod English

-

27 February 2026, 18:45

Natty of the K-pop girl group Kiss of Life has drawn widespread attention in Thailand and South Korea after appearing in traditional Thai dress, or chud Thai, while introducing simple everyday Thai phrases in a recent clip shared online.

The video quickly went viral, generating strong engagement from Korean fans who praised her elegant look in Thai attire and expressed curiosity about Thailand’s language and culture. Several commenters said the clip encouraged them to learn basic Thai, while others hoped to see other members of Kiss of Life try on Thai costumes in future content.

One Korean fan wrote that they had recently travelled to Bangkok and Pattaya during the Lunar New Year holiday, describing the trip as enjoyable thanks to the kindness of local people. Another said Thai members of Korean idol groups often have unique charm and asked Natty to continue posting Thai-language lesson videos.

Some comments highlighted the perceived femininity and elegance of the Thai language, with fans saying it sounded even more charming when spoken by Natty. Others noted that her Korean pronunciation carries a slight Thai intonation, which they found endearing.

Natty, a Thai national, has been active in the Korean entertainment industry for several years and continues to attract attention for promoting Thai culture alongside her music career.

Most Thais lack six-month emergency savings, BOT says

By

Khaosod English

-

27 February 2026, 18:17

BANGKOK, 26 February 2026 — Bank of Thailand said 77.3% of Thais have emergency savings covering less than six months, while more than 86% have not planned for retirement or are unable to follow through with their plans.

In its 2024 report, the central bank said overall financial literacy among Thais has improved steadily and is above the OECD average. However, many people still lack understanding of interest and compound interest.

Although 91.5% of respondents reported saving money, most do not have sufficient emergency funds, reflecting irregular or inadequate long-term savings. The BOT said emergency savings are a key foundation for long-term financial security, helping households manage debt during income shocks and increasing the likelihood of achieving retirement goals.

Use of basic financial services, particularly deposits and money transfers, has increased. However, take-up of other products such as credit cards, insurance and investments remains low and is declining. Credit usage has also fallen across all occupational groups, partly due to tighter lending standards amid economic conditions.

The findings underscore a structural gap between saving behaviour and long-term financial preparedness, despite improvements in financial knowledge.

Who is named in the complaint

Alleged offences

Reactions from agencies and opposition

Post-election tensions deepen

Hot News

LATEST NEWS