Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has taken legal action against 1,767 Senate candidates who were found to lack the necessary qualifications for candidacy. The charges could lead to penalties including imprisonment ranging from 1 to 10 years, fines of up to 200,000 baht, and a 20-year disqualification from voting.
According to Thai News Agency, the decision was made after a comprehensive review of the candidates' applications revealed that some individuals either lacked the required qualifications or had disqualifying characteristics but proceeded to apply nonetheless. This prompted the ECT to take the matter under legal consideration based on Section 74 of the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Membership in the Senate, B.E. 2561 (2018).
The ECT initially resolved to initiate criminal proceedings against 1,605 candidates during their 46th meeting on May 19, 2026. Subsequently, at the 51st meeting held on June 4, 2026, an additional 162 individuals were included, bringing the total number of accused to 1,767.
Section 74 of the Organic Act specifies that any person knowingly applying for election despite being ineligible may face severe consequences, including imprisonment of 1 to 10 years, fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, and a revocation of voting rights for 20 years. In the case of sitting senators found guilty, the court is also empowered to order the return of salaries and benefits received during their tenure to the Secretariat of the Senate.
Following the ECT's resolution, the matter has been forwarded to the Legal and Litigation Division for appropriate action. Provincial Election Commission offices have been instructed to proceed with legal processes in accordance with their jurisdiction and duties.