The Election Commission (EC) in Thailand has come underneath scrutiny after all six of its members travelled overseas in the course of the Songkran vacation on taxpayer-funded inspection visits.
Former election commissioner and present MP candidate for the Seri Ruam Thai Party, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, criticized the move, questioning the aim and timing of the journeys, on situation that the General Election has not yet begun. Critics argue that such conferences could possibly be held just about, without the necessity for costly travel.
Somchai additionally queried whether or not they had visited the international locations that seemed to have experienced probably the most problems over the past election or these with the largest population of Thai residents. Regardless, Instant said the timing of the move was improper as the General Election has not but got underway, reported Bangkok Post.
Srisuwan Janya, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution, announced plans to petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) over what he phrases the EC’s negligence of responsibility. Srisuwan contends that the EC’s stated reasons for the journeys do not justify sending all of its members abroad.
Each member selected one or two of the following places: Hungary, Slovakia, South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. To avoid conflicting with their work schedules, the trips were scheduled between April 4 and April 24. Each commissioner was accompanied by 4 to 5 officers.
In response, the Office of the EC issued a press release claiming the journeys had been essential to monitor the voting system, with an goal to improve the process or amend laws sooner or later. It added that the journeys have been planned in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and every respective country’s Thai embassy or consulate..