Khon kaen: Chatchawan Apirakmankong, a Khon Kaen MP from the Prachachon Party, took action today by filing a complaint regarding an alleged vote-buying incident related to the Entertainment Complex Business Act. The complaint was lodged at 3 p.m., with Chatchawan countering claims by Wisut Chainarun that the news surrounding the incident was poorly reported and accusing it of being an attempt to discredit the opposition.
According to Thai News Agency, Chatchawan expressed his concerns during an interview, revealing his plan to report a mysterious phone number involved in seeking votes for two bills. The incident reportedly took place during the initial reading of the draft Entertainment Complex Business Act. At that time, the Bhumjaithai Party and Muslim parties opposed the bill, citing religious principles. Chatchawan suggested that the government might have tried to gain support to ensure the bill's passage.
Chatchawan made his complaint at the Nam Phong Police Station in Khon Kaen Province. While he knows the name, surname, and hometown of the woman in question, her political affiliations remain unclear. He plans to forward the phone number to investigators to trace her contacts on June 22-23, with his legal team set to proceed with further actions.
In response to Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai Party list MP and government whip chairman, who dismissed the matter as trivial, Chatchawan urged a thorough examination of the interview. He mentioned that another MP was similarly affected and that he met the woman involved, confirming her existence and coordination. Chatchawan emphasized the importance of comprehensive news consumption rather than creating content to undermine the government, suggesting the situation aimed to discredit the opposition.
Addressing criticisms that 10 kilos of votes was excessive, Chatchawan highlighted Wisut's unclear criteria for such determinations. As a first-time MP, Chatchawan cited the opinions of academics who consider this scenario plausible, given past instances of party-wide movements supporting opposition candidates for prime minister.
Chatchawan concluded by expressing his preference for insights from senior political figures on the issue's detrimental effects on Thailand's political landscape. He called for an investigation involving the Pheu Thai Party to prevent such occurrences in the future, emphasizing the need for accountability in political processes.