Bangkok: Dr. Jetsada praised the Governor of the Bank of Thailand for disclosing information on unusually large cash withdrawals and urged the Election Commission to investigate urgently before the country collapses. Mr. Jetsada Tonawanik, the Rak Chart Party's prime ministerial candidate, commented on the allegations of vote buying using illicit funds, stating that initial reports suggested hundreds of billions of baht from illicit sources were flowing in and being used for election spending. Later, reports surfaced of vote buying at 7,500 baht per vote, implying an estimated 200 billion baht in illicit funds were used.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jetsada highlighted that initially there were discussions about 100 billion baht coming in from 'grey funds' to be used for election campaigning. Subsequent reports mentioned payments of 7,500 baht per person, indicating approximately 200 billion baht was injected. Mr. Jetsada emphasized that the situation became clearer when the Governor of the Bank of Thailand revealed information about two unusually large cash withdrawals: the first of 100 million baht and the second of 250 million baht. Such withdrawals raise suspicions.
Mr. Jetsada stated that the Governor of the Bank of Thailand has submitted the matter to the relevant agencies, particularly the National Anti-Corruption Commission. He stressed that the investigation process should proceed seriously to consider any clues or irregularities that may be related to corruption or interference in the election process. He warned that all politicians, regardless of party, are well aware of their actions, and anyone who recognizes they are engaging in such activities should stop. He also stated that citizens who accept money are aware of their actions, and that if they do so and still vote for those individuals, they are destroying the nation.
Mr. Jetsada urged the Election Commission and election inspectors nationwide to intensify their oversight and monitoring efforts, and not to wait for the Governor of the Bank of Thailand to conduct investigations or disclose information instead. He emphasized that all parties must help find the truth, otherwise, the country will surely face ruin.
"I must bring this to the attention of the Election Commission and the election inspectors nationwide. Have you seen any of these things? Why does it have to be the Governor of the Bank of Thailand who has to investigate? Everyone must help. If you don't find them, our country will surely be ruined," Mr. Jetsada said.