Thamanat spills beans on small celebrations
The government comfortably survived the no-confidence vote yesterday even as commotion opened on another front concerning secret payments to small events.
Setthakij Thai Party innovator Thamanat Prompow alleged some small events had pocketed month-to-month allowances over the past 3 years. Some MPs received 100, 000 baht per month, a source said.
Capt Thamanat’s claims drawn the attention of political activists who promised to petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Political election Commission (EC) for any probe.
Earlier, while he was still with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), Capt Thamanat introduced the phrase comparing himself to a monkey keeper feeding “bananas” to small parties to keep them loyal towards the government.
If found accountable these MPs will be hit with a 10-year political ban and the parties involved in the obligations could be dissolved.
On Friday, Capt Thamanat, whom pulled out of the coalition government shortly prior to the censure debate, made an appearance unhappy when learning micro parties experienced decided to cast the vote of self-confidence for Prime Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) Prayut Chan-o-cha plus 10 targeted ministers.
In the news interview this individual claimed these events had accepted money over the past three years, that could land them struggling. It could constitute a violation of the NACC’s law that forbids civil servants and politicians from receiving gifts worth greater than 3, 000 baht, he said.
The Setthakij Thai Party head also warned the particular MPs who obtained the allowances of the leaked Line talk containing evidence of them accepting the money.
Shortly after that, Line chat messages accompanied by copies associated with internet banking deal receipts were circulated. The documents suggested that a number of MPs in small celebrations were paid frequently.
Activist Srisuwan Janya recently said he would collect information about the scandal and petition the particular NACC.
“Those who break the rules will be kept accountable under Area 169 of the anti-corruption law which imposes a maximum three-year jail term and/or a maximum good of 60, 500 baht. They may be held in serious infringement of ethics and face a 10-year political ban, inch he said.
Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, member of the Seri Ruam Thai Party and an ex-EC member, said the particular allegations are serious enough for a celebration dissolution probe.
“If the particular party that apparently paid those MPs is found to have violated the Political Events Act on grounds of party manipulation, all those involved might end up being disbanded, inch he said.
Mr Somchai urged Capt Thamanat to file a request with the EC.
Khathathep Techadejruangkul, leader of the Pheu Chart Thai Party, yesterday dismissed the particular leaks as fabricated and said the particular individuals implicated in the scandal are considering getting legal action.
He downplayed the issue as only a political online game and said the particular so-called Group of 16, made up of MPs through micro-parties and several associates of the PPRP, had been being used by Capt Thamanat.
“He wanted the girls of 16 to perform his bidding and when he couldn’t, he created a fuss. There are no facts and this is a fabrication of documents. Seniors are searching into this and it will end soon, ” he said.
Pichet Sathirachawal, a list MP for that PPRP and mind of the Group of sixteen, said the transactions in the leaked communications concerned the 5 Provinces Bordering Woodland Preservation Foundation. All of questions should be aimed to PPRP innovator Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, chairman of the base, Mr Pichet said.
He or she said the payment was meant to protect travel expenses for small parties during their visits to the provinces, as proposed by Gen Prawit. Capt Thamanat was assigned to coordinate with small parties during that time. Mr Pichet did not know his motive but said it will not serve him well.