Justice Minister Rejects Retaliation Claims Over Election Ballot Probe
Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol Naowarat denied allegations of political retaliation after a complaint was filed with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) against eight individuals — including academics, MPs, and journalists — accused of attempting to decode barcodes and QR codes on election ballots to link voter information. The minister confirmed the complainant is real but said their identity must be protected under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), adding that the matter is now a preliminary DSI review and any determination of guilt will come from a fair investigation.
Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol Naowarat dismissed allegations of personal vendetta after a complaint was filed with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) against eight individuals — academics, MPs, and media figures — accused of attempting to decode barcodes and QR codes on election ballots to link voter data. Speaking at Government House on October 22, 2026, he confirmed the complainant is real but said their identity must be withheld under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and for safety reasons. He insisted the referral to the DSI was a routine preliminary review, not political intimidation, and that any determination of guilt would come from a fair investigation. The minister also noted the eight had previously been complained against by the Election Commission's enforcement unit, and officials would decide which agency proceeds. He denied any personal connection to the inclusion of Patthaphong Suphakson, also known as 'Lawyer An,' among the accused, pointing out the group includes both politicians and academics.
