Chuan Sends Letter of Support to EC Chief on Senate Collusion Case, Warns Against Corrupt Favors
Veteran politician Chuan Leekpai has sent an encouraging letter to the Election Commission president regarding the Senate collusion probe, advising officials to repay political debts at funerals rather than bending the law.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Chuan Leekpai wrote a letter supporting the EC president to uphold justice in the Senate collusion case.
- He criticized the vicious cycle of corruption where vote-buying politicians and officials treat politics as a business.
- He noted skepticism over whether EC members appointed during the current Senate era can remain impartial.
- He suggested that repaying political favors should be reserved for attending funerals, not perverting justice.
On August 10, 2026, reports emerged regarding a speech delivered earlier on August 8 by Chuan Leekpai, a list-MP from the Democrat Party, who served as the opening chairman for the National Art Exhibition and International Art Exchange 2026. The event was organized by the Department of Cultural Promotion under the Ministry of Culture and is being held at the National Gallery on Chao Fa Road from August 6 to 30, operating every Wednesday through Sunday between 09:00 AM and 04:00 PM.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
During a special keynote address at the event, Chuan touched upon critical social and political issues, emphasizing that quality must be prioritized across politics, economics, and society, as a lack of quality makes sustainable development difficult. He further elaborated on systemic corruption and widespread bribery affecting bureaucrats and independent agencies alike.
"Isn't it shameful? Officials pay 500,000 to 700,000 baht just to secure a low-level position—do you think they won't extort people afterward? Politicians spend 100 million or 80 million baht on vote-buying—do you really think they do it just for a meager 100,000-baht monthly salary? It never adds up. These people treat politics as a business; investments demand returns. Corruption thus spreads everywhere, looping in bureaucrats and independent agencies."
Chuan also addressed ongoing concerns surrounding independent organizations, particularly the alleged manipulation of the Senate selection process leading to the current Senate collusion scandal. While the public pressures the Election Commission to act fairly, questions linger over whether commissioners appointed under the current political climate—stemming from what many consider a flawed selection system—will dare to deliver impartial rulings.
This commentary highlights structural debates regarding Thailand's independent regulatory bodies and their structural independence. Public scrutiny often centers on appointment mechanisms, as they directly influence institutional credibility and the public perception of high-profile legal rulings.
Despite these institutional doubts, Chuan expressed his belief that good people still exist within Thai society. He revealed that he is currently sending a formal letter to the EC president, offering encouragement and urging him to firmly uphold righteousness. Furthermore, regarding the culture of repaying political patrons, Chuan humorously and pointedly advised that if individuals gained positions through influential figures, they should only repay those debts by attending their funerals when they pass away, rather than subverting justice to keep corrupt politicians in power.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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