Politics
Protesters Target Chiang Mai Election Commission Office Over Senate Selection Case
Demonstrators in Chiang Mai threw blue paint at the local Election Commission office to protest the limited scope of legal action taken regarding alleged Senate election collusion.
On September 14, 2026, a group of activists and local residents gathered outside the Chiang Mai provincial office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to protest the agency's recent decision regarding the Senate election collusion case. The demonstration followed an announcement by the ECT that it would refer 77 individuals to the Supreme Court’s Election Division, including 26 senators, 36 voters, and 15 others.
Protesters expressed frustration that the ECT did not pursue charges against political party executives or government ministers, despite evidence of connections previously highlighted by the organization iLaw. To voice their dissatisfaction, participants performed symbolic acts, including placing 229 coffee cups on the roadside and throwing blue paint at the ECT office sign.
For residents and visitors, this event highlights ongoing political tensions surrounding the integrity of the Senate selection process. While the protest remained focused on the ECT office, those in the area should be aware that political demonstrations can occasionally cause localized traffic disruptions or increased security presence. It remains to be confirmed how the Supreme Court will handle the 77 cases referred by the ECT and whether further legal actions will be taken against other political figures as demanded by the protesters.
