Thai Senator Says Feb 8 Vote ‘Dirtiest in History’ Since 1957
Thai Senator Says Feb 8 Vote ‘Dirtiest in History’ Since 1957
BANGKOK, Feb 18, 2026 — A Thai senator on Wednesday backed a petition seeking a Constitutional Court ruling to nullify the Feb. 8 general election, describing the vote as the “dirtiest in history” and citing widespread irregularities.
Senator Nanthana Nanthawaropas was responding to an initiative by Phattharaphong Suphaksorn to gather the signatures of at least 20 senators required to formally request that the Constitutional Court declare the election void.
Nanthana alleged irregular ballots, inconsistencies in vote counts and more than 5,000 complaints filed over the conduct of the poll. She also raised concerns over the use of barcodes on ballot papers, which critics say could potentially compromise voter secrecy.
“The Feb. 8 election is the dirtiest since 1957,” she said, calling on independent senators to support the petition.
She urged Senate President Mongkol Surasajja to review the matter impartially and questioned the Election Commission of Thailand’s handling of the vote, including moves to proceed with government formation before all disputes have been resolved.
The Election Commission has previously said it is reviewing complaints in accordance with the law. It has not responded directly to Nanthana’s latest remarks.
Under Thai law, the Constitutional Court has authority to rule on the validity of elections if formally petitioned by eligible lawmakers.
The Feb. 8 election has faced mounting scrutiny over vote-count discrepancies and ballot management procedures, raising broader concerns about public confidence in the electoral process.
