EC justifies Songkran trips to monitor early voting

The Election Commission (EC) in Thailand has come under scrutiny after all six of its members travelled abroad during the Songkran holiday on taxpayer-funded inspection visits.

Former election commissioner and current MP candidate for the Seri Ruam Thai Party, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, criticized the move, questioning the purpose and timing of the trips, given that the General Election has not yet begun. Critics argue that such meetings could be held virtually, without the need for expensive travel.

Somchai also queried whether they had visited the countries that seemed to have experienced the most problems during the last election or those with the biggest population of Thai residents. Regardless, he said the timing of the move was improper as the General Election has not yet got underway, reported Bangkok Post.

Srisuwan Janya, secretary-general of the…