Singer quits Palang Pracharath Party amid extortion probe

Fallout from The image Group event continues

Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsup waves to photographers as the Palang Pracharath Party introduces him and its other election candidates ahead of the 2023 general election, in Bangkok in early 2023. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
In Bangkok, in the early stages of the 2023 general election, Rattapoom” Film” Tokongsup tides to the cameras as the Palang Pracharath Party introduces him and its other poll individuals. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

In response to an investigation into alleged extortion related to the iCon Group case, singer Rattapoom” Film” Tokongsup has left the opposition’s Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ).

Paiboon Nititawan, the PPRP secretary-general, reported on Monday that Rattapoom had already filed a formal resignation from the organization with the Electoral Commission (EC ) registrar.

The artist, 40, was reportedly writing his resignation notice to the Office of the EC on Friday, according to a cause.

The performer and another person were accused of demanding that prospective clients pay 20 million baht to appear on the reporter’s well-known TV program Hon Krasae last year, according to well-known media outlet and TV program network Phudit Kamnerdploy aka Kanchai” Num” Kamnerdploy.

The iCon Group’s chief executive officer and a main dealer were the prospective clients. One of the 18 people detained is the CEO, Waranthaphon” Boss Paul” Wratyaworrakul, who is awaiting an investigation into alleged crimes including common scams and participation in a dome scheme.

Rattapoom insisted on his innocence next year, claimed that potential clients had consulted with him regarding their communications strategy and that they had a 20-million baht funds for it. He said he was lured into saying” 20 million bass” in a recorded talk.

The performer and the woman are also accused of defamation, but the 47-year-old Kritanong Suwannawong is one of them. She was detained on suspicion of bribery and soliciting money for money in connection with a complaint about The logo Group’s sale of dietary supplements through dealer networks on Saturday in Pathum Thani province.

Members of the affected parties informed police on Monday that they would record the alleged 20-million-baht bribery claim against Mr. Rattapoom and Ms. Kritanong on Tuesday, according to Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy director of the Central Investigation Bureau.