Bangkok: Rangsiman has urged authorities to take action against Chonphat before the parliament convenes, fearing he might use his parliamentary immunity to protect himself. He emphasized the need for the government to take a serious approach to cracking down on scammers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP from the People's Party, highlighted the party's commitment as an opposition party to scrutinize the government's work. He noted that the People's Party has been actively conducting investigations, despite some members not officially serving as MPs. Rangsiman acknowledged limitations due to the inability to hold debates in parliament and the unpreparedness of various committee mechanisms. He mentioned the recent arrest of two directors linked to the company CAI in Singapore. This company is involved in an iris scanning business and money laundering, with connections to the Hui Wan Group. The party is pursuing further investigation into this matter.
Rangsiman criticized the government's inconsistent approach to fighting scammers, citing the case of Ben Smith, where an arrest warrant was issued in a less significant case despite numerous pending cases. He pointed out the lack of action in the iris scan investigation, which was sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and could involve transnational crime. He expressed the need for a more consistent and serious approach to these issues.
Regarding Mr. Chonnapat Naksua, MP for Songkhla Constituency 4 of the Kla Tham Party, Rangsiman suggested that Chonphat is attempting to buy time to pass the oath-taking ceremony as an MP and invoke parliamentary immunity. He urged investigating officers to work diligently and maintain consistent standards, pointing out that politicians should not be allowed to escape prosecution.
Rangsiman also questioned the government's lack of a national agenda, highlighting personal and political agendas and favoritism towards those close to powerful politicians. He urged officials to use the time before the parliamentary session opens to take legal action, questioning the standards for solving problems, especially in combating scammers.
Additionally, Rangsiman brought up the issue of Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit's aircraft purchase, which has been linked to Mr. Ben Smith. He questioned the government's seriousness in addressing these issues and emphasized the responsibility of the People's Party as a prospective opposition party to take action. He noted concerns about the fairness of the election and the functioning of Parliament.