Justice Ministry Refers Ballot QR Code Case to DSI
The user wants a short summary (1-2 sentences, 120-220 characters, max 240) of the Thai article provided. The summary must be in English only, factual, plain English, no filler, lead with what happened then one key detail. Key facts from ar
The Ministry of Justice has accepted a petition to refer the case to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for possible prosecution of Thammathon Sukchotirat, director of Deevote at Sripatum University; Thanarat Kuawathanaphan, CEO of Domecloud and blockchain software expert; Chaiphan Chawalwanichchai, known as Teacher Chai, owner of the M.I.B Marketing In Black Facebook page; Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, former election commissioner; Prisit Watcharasin, party-list MP for the Prachachon Party; Songphon Rueangsamut, head photographer for Spacebar news agency; Parinya Thewanuramikul; and Phattharaphong Suphakson, known as Attorney An of Buriram.
They are accused of jointly committing insurrection, revealing sealed documents in a manner likely to cause damage, and disseminating information to the public by words, writing, or other means not protected by constitutional intent or honest opinion, intending to create confusion and unrest that could lead to public disorder or lawbreaking. They are also charged with importing data into a computer system involving national security and obstructing election officials, violating Penal Code Sections 83, 116, 209, 322, the Computer Crime Act Section 14, and the Organic Act on the Election Commission Section 66.
The alleged conduct occurred on February 22, 2026, when Thammathon and others photographed ballots in the new parliamentary election for Constituency 9, District 15, Kannayao, Bangkok. They secretly photographed ballot stubs and attempted to decode barcodes and QR codes on both constituency and party-list ballots — classified information — to link the data to specific voters. They allegedly coordinated continuously to destroy credibility, incite, distort information, and create widespread social chaos to pressure the Constitutional Court into ruling the 2026 parliamentary election void.
The Constitutional Court subsequently ruled that the use of barcodes and QR codes on ballots did not violate Articles 50, 83(2), or 85(1) of the Constitution and did not infringe on the rights of the petitioners or eligible voters. In the same matter, the Election Commission had already tasked Deputy Secretary-General Karachit Charoen-in to file a police complaint against the individuals. The Ministry of Justice has now received the case and will promptly forward it to the Permanent Secretary and the DSI for swift, accurate, and transparent action.
