Thai Senate collusion allegations prompt ‘silent coup’ warnings

Independent scholar Wat Tingsamit has raised concerns regarding a potential ‘silent coup’ following a 17-page petition submitted to the Attorney General on September 23, 2026. The petition, filed by a group of Senate candidates from the tourism entrepreneur sector, requests that the matter be forwarded to the Constitutional Court under Section 49 of the Constitution to investigate actions deemed undermining the democratic regime.

The petition alleges a structural effort to seize control of the Senate, claiming that two organized groups have secured approximately 159 seats, or 80 percent of the chamber. The first group, referred to as the ‘Blue Senate movement,’ allegedly involves one political party leader and 138 subordinates. The second group, the ‘People’s Senate movement,’ reportedly involves one political activist leader and 21 subordinates.

Key allegations include the use of secret voting lists, the recruitment of unqualified individuals through compensation, and clandestine meetings held at Impact Muang Thong Thani. Furthermore, the petition claims evidence of ‘reciprocal receipts,’ where senators allegedly used state budgets for staff positions to repay those who facilitated their election.