Former MPs imprisoned for proxy voting

Cabinet leader’s woman among the three admitted to jail

Three former Bhumjaithai Party MPs ‘ last appeals were rejected by the Supreme Court, who were given nine months in prison without a suspension for proxy voting during the debate over the 2020 budget expenses.

The Criminal Division of the Supreme Court handed down the decision on Tuesday for those holding political office positions.

The jury rejected the appeals filed by Chalong Thoetwiraphong, a previous Phatthalung district 2 MP, Phumsit Khongmi, a former Phatthalung district 1 MP, and Natee Ratchakitprakarn, a former listing MP and the family of Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn.

The Supreme Court ruled in May of last year that the three previous lawmakers had intentionally violated ethics by permitting another MPs to cast ballots on their behalf during the budget bill’s second and third readings between January 10 and January 11, 2020.

They were found to be in violation of Segment 172 of the Counter Corruption Act and answerable to a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or excellent of 20, 000- 200, 000 ringgit.

They were given quick revocations of their political right and a nine-month sentence each. The three were eventually released on bail for one million ringgit each as they lodged an appeal against the harshness of the word for people their own time. &nbsp,

The judge rejected their allure, finding their argument unsustainable. The court determined that the court’s lowest possible punishment in this case was a nine-month statement that was commuted from the original one-year prison term.

The courts agreed that the three had acted dishonestly while serving as politicians, which justifies denying them suspended sentences. This would give them more time to repent while they were incarcerated, preventing others from committing the same kind of moral deed. &nbsp,

After the judge decision, Chalong and Phumsit were taken to Bangkok Remand Prison, and Natee to the Central Women’s Correctional Institution.

Chalong Thoetwiraphong, a former Phatthalung district 2 MP. ( Photo: Parliament )

Phumsit Khongmi, a former Phatthalung electorate 1 MP. ( Photo: Parliament )