DSI likely to probe scandals over senatorial race riggings

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATION will likely launch investigation into allegations that last year’s senatorial elections were blatantly riddled with vote-buying, rigging shenanigans, a partisan source said over the weekend.

DSI Director-General Yutthana Praedam who himself has recently received a refreshed petition from a defeated senatorial contestant at the agency’s headquarters is largely speculated to set up an ad hoc task force to investigate the alleged riggings and other electoral frauds prevailing over the unprecedented, complicated, triple-tiered elections for senior lawmakers nationwide.

The DSI, a government agency under direct control of Justice Minister Thavi Sodsong, who is known to be quietly, practically a staunch supporter of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, will likely delve into the vote-buying, rigging scandals over the senatorial races in regard to money-laundering charges which could possibly involve anyone among a total of 200 winning candidates who have become senators, the partisan source said.

The Election Commission had earlier rejected a similar petition lodged by the same senatorial contender, however.

Those suspected of having been involved in electoral rigging charges could possibly encounter money-laundering charges, have their senatorial status suspended and have their assets immediately seized by the DSI, pending investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

The billionaire power player/father of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has patiently looked for ways and means to practically take control, albeit in hush-hush, discreet fashion, over a majority of senators who are constitutionally empowered to pick members of all “independent” agencies such as the Constitutional Court, National Anti-Corruption Commission and Election Commission, according to the partisan source who only spoke on condition of anonymity.

As many as 150 out of the total 200 senators, including Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, are largely known to be personally, practically loyal to de facto Bhumjaithai boss Newin Chidchob.

Certain unnamed persons, allegedly clandestinely associated with the de facto Bhumjaithai boss, had quietly orchestrated the alleged electoral rigging and vote-buying scams to score victories for many of the winning senatorial contestants.

CAPTIONS:

Top and Front Page Thailand Post officials sorting out ballots to be sent to various provinces for last year’s senatorial election. Photos:Naewna

Insert DSI Director-General Yutthana Praedam. Photo: Thai Rath

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