Bangkok: Prasert Chantharawongthong, Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, has initiated legal action against Supachai Jaisamut, legal counsel for the Bhumjaithai Party, over allegations related to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and a Singaporean company.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert filed the lawsuit at the Criminal Court, accusing Mr. Supachai of defamation and violations of the Constitutional Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives. The charges stem from Mr. Supachai's statements during a press conference, where he alleged that Mr. Prasert had breached criminal law and the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Act. Mr. Supachai's remarks were also disseminated via the Bhumjaithai Party's Facebook page, which Mr. Prasert claims were intended to damage his reputation and mislead the public.
Mr. Prasert emphasized that Mr. Supachai, as a lawyer, should be aware that such allegations during the election period are considered illegal. He highlighted that making false accusations during the election period is a violation under the law on the election of members of the House of Representatives, B.E. 2018. The court has scheduled the reading of the verdict for March 23, 2026.
Further investigations are being conducted, and Mr. Prasert has indicated that similar legal actions will be pursued against others found guilty of comparable offenses. He also expressed concerns about the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society's request for clarification on the MOU, viewing it as a politically motivated attempt to discredit him. He criticized the short timeframe given to prepare a response, questioning the legality and adherence to government protocols.
Mr. Prasert believes personal biases may be influencing the actions against him, particularly due to his previous inquiries into a 40 million baht bribe allegation related to the current Minister of Digital Economy and Society. He has called for a swift investigation into this matter, urging relevant agencies to expedite their efforts on this widely recognized issue.