Justice Minister Addresses DSI Investigation Concerns Regarding Senate Election Case
The Minister of Justice has stated that a request to remove the DSI Director-General from leading a high-profile Senate election fraud investigation must be reviewed by the Special Case Committee.
On November 4, 2026, Thailand's Minister of Justice, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapol Naowarat, addressed public concerns regarding the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and its handling of the Senate election fraud case (Special Case No. 24/2568). A group of reserve senators has formally requested that DSI Director-General Pol. Capt. Piya Raksakul be removed as the head of the investigation team, citing a need for impartiality and concerns over potential interference in the money laundering and criminal association probe.
Minister Rutthapol confirmed that the request must be submitted to the Special Case Committee (Board of the DSI) for formal consideration. However, he emphasized that the internal structure of the investigation team remains an administrative matter for the DSI to manage. He declined to confirm whether Pol. Capt. Piya would be replaced, noting that such operational details are handled internally by the department.
For residents and observers, this development highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding the integrity of the Senate election investigation. While the case remains active, the potential restructuring of the investigative team raises questions about the future direction of the probe. It remains to be confirmed whether the Special Case Committee will approve the request to change the leadership of the investigation team or if the current structure will be maintained as the legal process continues.
