PM ‘unaware’ of bid to poach Move Forward MPs

Members of the dissolved group may file legal action, according to Settha, if reports of “benefits” offered are accurate.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin walks down from his office at the Thai Khu Fah building at Government House to face reporters following the Constitutional Court’s ruling to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party on Wednesday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Following the Constitutional Court’s decision on Wednesday to break the opposition Move Forward Party, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin steps down from his company at Government House and faces writers. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, asserted on Wednesday that he had no knowledge of any government officials who had offered 20 to 30 million baht to Members affiliated with the opposition.

Mr. Srettha said that any group trying to buy an MP from another would not be appropriate if the state was to be believed when he addressed the Constitutional Court yesterday to declare the party’s dissolution.

He argued that the group may file a lawsuit against for wrongdoing if Move Forward continues to assert that the person who approached some Members was a secretary in his state.

” If that’s true ,]the MFP] (# ) had better produce evidence to prove the claim and pursue legal action ]against the alleged wrongdoer ] (# )”, said Mr Srettha.

Move Forward MP for Chachoengsao, Jirat Thongsuwan, claimed on Tuesday that a government minister’s aide made a 20 to 30 million baht offer to him through a buddy in his district.

Mr. Jirat requested that he assist the chancellor in setting up a new party, which he refused to perform.

Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward key adviser, said group MPs had shown him messages on their phones in which they were encouraged to fault by offering a range of benefits, including money and significant positions.

They wo n’t ever accept the positions or money because it’s their public trust that these MPs value most, he said.

He claimed that all of these ugly social maneuvers were done because he wanted people to be aware of Thai politics ‘ ugly reality.

Mr. Pita expressed confidence in Move Forward MPs ‘ commitment to a steadfast social philosophy and the belief that they would never leave the party for profit.

Before being chosen and fielded in the previous year’s public election, all MPs were thoroughly scrutinized to make sure they all shared the same philosophy, according to Mr. Pita.

Some of its MPs resigned to the coalition’s parties led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the head of the coup in 2014, after the party’s father Future Forward wasdissolved in 2020. They all lost when they re-elected themselves in their 2023 divisions.

As it prepares to release its third manifestation on Friday, the party expressed confidence on Wednesday that no such resignations will occur again.