"Reserve Senators" petition the Election Commission to remove Pol. Lt. Col. Piya from his position as chairman of Subcommittee 36

Today (4 March) 10:30 AM, at the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) office, a group of reserve senators, led by Mr. Akkarawat Pongthanachalitkul, submitted a petition to the ECT to object to and request the removal of Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul, chairman of the sub-committee on adjudication No. 36. This follows the appearance of a photo showing Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul is waiting to welcome Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and bowing in a gesture indicating close ties.

Mr. Akkarawat stated that he saw the photo of Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul was waiting to welcome and bowing to Mr. Anutin at the airport parking area, a place inaccessible to the general public. He added that the appointment of the sub-committee on adjudication was in accordance with regulations. The Election Commission's Act on Investigation, Inquiry, and Adjudication B.E. 2561 (2018) and its amendments (No. 3) B.E. 2566 (2023), Section 74, stipulates the appointment of a committee of 5-7 people who are politically neutral and honest individuals, as well as qualified experts in various fields. Section 78, paragraph two, requires the consideration of cases to be swift, continuous, and fair. Upon reviewing the Election Commission's Order No. 2633/2568 dated September 16, 2025, appointing the 36th sub-committee for adjudication of problems or disputes, seven names were found, including Pol. Lt. Col. Piya, who was later identified as the chairman of the committee.

Mr. Akkarawat further stated that he would like to raise concerns regarding the MotoGP race held in Buriram on 1 March 2026. He questioned what privilege Mr. Anutin, as the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, used to utilize an Air Force aircraft to open the MotoGP event in Buriram. Politicians were seen walking off the plane with big smiles. I won't comment on whether Mr. Anutin is the acting Prime Minister, but he is the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. Using a government aircraft for an event like the MotoGP race raises questions about whether it was a private or government event. Mr. Anutin is not even aware of the use of such an aircraft, as Air Force planes are only permitted for security purposes. Using them for leisure trips raises concerns among the public. Even using official vehicles for religious ceremonies has led to imprisonment. Therefore, I urge you to monitor the use of aircraft for inappropriate events or activities. Furthermore, the location is within the stadium grounds, part of Khao Kradong, which is government land and under the influence of the group accused of colluding with senators, who own the land in the name of a legal entity.

Mr. Akkarawat added that the actions of Pol. Lt. Piya demonstrates a lack of political neutrality and clearly indicates they are part of the same network or group. The distance between Bangkok and Buriram is considerable; if they weren't part of the same group, they wouldn't have traveled to welcome him, as they are not ordinary citizens watching the race. The aircraft parking area is inaccessible to the general public. Even though legally he is not affiliated with the Bhumjaithai Party, the question arises whether Pol. Lt. Col. Piya lacks political neutrality in his role as chairman or member of the sub-committee for resolving issues and disputes No. 36. Consideration must be given to his conduct, actions, political expression, and integrity.

Mr. Akkarawat reiterated that he, therefore, filed a petition with the Chairman and ECT to object to Pol. Lt. Col. Piya's performance as chairman of the Sub-Committee for Resolving Issues and Disputes No. 36, citing a lack of neutrality and political bias. This is evident from photographs, demeanor, and actions. Allowing Pol. Lt. Col. Piya to continue in his role would directly lead to the distortion of decisions. Because his behavior and actions clearly indicate a lack of impartiality in performing his duties, ECT is requested to immediately use its resolution to remove Police Lieutenant Piya from the Sub-Committee for Adjudication of Complaints and Disputes, Committee No. 36, and prohibit him from interfering with evidence in the case file regarding the collusion in the Senate election (Central Case File No. 87, Senate 10/2568) or from tampering with evidence in the case file again.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong