Bangkok: Teng urged police not to discriminate and vowed to punish those found guilty decisively. Nattapong emphasized that party standards are more important than votes, urging the police not to discriminate and to act fairly and impartially towards all parties, not just for the sake of election results. He stated that they have never been inactive in the past, but lacked sufficient evidence. He declared emphatically that if wrongdoing is proven, the police will punish those involved decisively.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, answered media questions after a press conference regarding the detention of Mr. Ratchapong Soisuwan, a candidate for Member of Parliament in Tak Constituency 2, by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). When asked when he learned of the incident, Mr. Nattapong stated that he learned about it last night.
Regarding the investigation process and whether there is evidence to suggest such a thing happened, Mr. Nattapong stated that, based on past incidents, similar complaints had been filed, but not directly concerning this case. The People's Party has been diligently investigating using its available mechanisms, but lacks the authority to access information like the police. Therefore, the party has acted proportionally based on the available evidence. He confirmed that, as reported in the press release, additional information has been received today, and that the investigation has been conducted thoroughly, without exception, and that no party member has been spared.
The party will await further details as Mr. Ratchapong is currently in police custody. The party's lawyer is waiting to meet with Mr. Ratchapong directly. Once more information is confirmed, the party will proceed according to its regulations.
Regarding the possibility of not finding a candidate in time, and whether this would affect the election in Constituency 2 of Tak Province, Mr. Natthapong stated that it might, as it would be impossible to find a replacement candidate in this constituency. However, the party cannot use fear of not having a candidate in this constituency as a political excuse to override the party's stated standard of "no gray areas." This means that the party will not tolerate such problems. If evidence of wrongdoing is found to be credible and substantial, the party is ready to take proportionate action.
When asked if it was a political game, Mr. Nattapong said he hoped government officials and the police would act fairly and impartially, without favoritism. He therefore hoped that politicians from all parties and factions would be investigated equally, examining the evidence and facts to determine who was involved, and taking full action.
Mr. Nattapong further stated that what has earned the People's Party the trust of its members is that once the party receives news and factual evidence, it acts immediately and straightforwardly.
When asked whether Mr. Rattapong, who was also a Member of Parliament in the previous term, had been investigated previously, Mr. Nattapong reiterated that complaints had been filed, and an investigation had already been conducted. He stated that the party had not remained inactive, sending representatives to inquire with people in the area, and checking criminal records, as is standard procedure for other candidates. However, the party lacks the authority to access in-depth information, so they acted based on the available evidence and directly questioned Mr. Rattapong to confirm his non-involvement. Regarding the subsequent legal process, Mr. Nattapong said that would be handled accordingly.
Mr. Nattapong admitted that he understood the situation, as it arose during the election campaign, and undeniably, it might affect the party's popularity. However, what the People's Party believes in more is how the public perceives the party's handling of the matter-whether it remains indifferent or ignores the situation. He affirmed that the party has never ignored it.
When pressed further on the party's verification process, Mr. Nattapong stated that in every verification process, the People's Party checks criminal records from various organizations and also conducts consultations with the public in the area, party members, and other channels. However, he emphasized that, frankly, when considering complaints, evidence must be considered. Sometimes, the complainant lacks evidence, and even after investigation, no evidence is found. Therefore, the party must be fair to everyone.
Even if it's perceived as a political game or harassment, if the police have clear evidence, what will the party do? Mr. Nattapong said that he accepts it frankly and will act decisively. If the evidence is insufficient and it's politically motivated harassment, he will hold a press conference, but he can't speak prematurely yet and needs to see the details first. This is the election campaign period, and he hopes the police will act fairly and impartially. He wants the police to take full action against anyone involved in questionable activities, regardless of whether it's during the campaign period or not.
When asked further whether the Minister of Justice had previously revealed that there would be 10 names requiring further investigation, Mr. Nattapong said that was correct, because regardless of whether those candidates, politicians, or anyone else, he wanted government officials and the justice system to conduct everything in a straightforward and transparent manner. He also revealed that the party's actions are being monitored daily, because the information received is not only found in the news. However, as he said, they do not have the tools like the executive branch or the police, and therefore cannot access such information.
Regarding an assessment of whether there are more people at risk of arrest, Mr. Nattapong stated that he could not provide a specific number, depending on the information provided by government officials. He understood that the police could not share information with the People's Party, even regarding their own candidates. He affirmed that the party is fully committed to cooperating and supporting the authorities in their actions. If the party receives information from government officials that any of its candidates or officials are involved in questionable activities, it is ready to fully cooperate and support the investigation. The party will not use its power to protect anyone.
"To answer factually, there are many more cases that have been complained to the party. However, I would like to point out another side: sometimes complaints can be used for political harassment, both within and outside the party. The party's executive committee ensures fairness to all parties based on the evidence and imposes punishments proportionately," said Mr. Nattapong.