Pheu Thai Party MPs sparked controversy on Thai social media for watching yesterday’s Thailand versus South Korea football match on an illegal website, complete with gambling advertisements, during a parliament meeting.

 

Football fans in Thailand rejoiced as the national team, commonly known as Chang Suek among Thais, managed to secure a 1-1 draw in their latest World Cup qualifying match against South Korea yesterday, March 21.

 

While many football enthusiasts rushed home from work to watch the match, two Thai MPs were stuck in Parliament. Determined not to let this stop them from cheering on the home team, they pressed pause on the parliamentary session and watched the match on a tablet.

 

Despite neglecting their parliamentary duties and watching football while on duty, the MPs further tarnished their image by streaming the video through an illegal website, prominently displaying a gambling site logo at the top of the screen.

 

Their actions garnered the attention of Thai reporters within Parliament, resulting in the images going viral on Thai social media and igniting controversy among netizens.

 

According to a report by the news agency Workpoint Today, the two MPs belonged to the Pheu Thai Party and were seen cheering on the national team while other members were engaged in discussions regarding the 2024 budget, valued at over 3.4 trillion baht.

 

Online controversy

 

In addition to neglecting their duties, numerous Thai netizens voiced complaints regarding the MPs’ decision to watch the match on an illegal gambling advertisement website instead of accessing the free livestream available on ThaiRath TV and Chang Suek’s YouTube channel.

 

Thai netizens called on the two MPs to explain their actions and apologise to the public for neglecting their duties. Some said they should be punished for their actions, while others said it was no big deal.

 

“They were not watching porn. Later complain when they are watching porn OK?”

 

“MPs with a salary of over 100,000 baht looking for free steam?”

 

“Let’s check his tablet to see if he also has a gambling website account or not.”

 

“Authorities tell people that gambling is illegal, but Thai police chiefs are allegedly involved in gambling operation, and two MPs watch football on gambling website.”

 

“I feel sorry that my tax has been wasted on this kind of MPs.”

 

“How do you know the MPs are from the Pheu Thai Party?”

 

Reporters from multiple news agencies, today, March 22, asked the Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, about the issue. In the interview, the party leader stated…

 

“Is there anyone here watching the match on illegal websites? Everyone can access the illegal website, so we have to talk about this issue as well. Everyone should choose the legal sites and channels, so we should think about how we can give everyone access to the legal ones. Yes, I admit that those two should not watch the game at that time. I will warn them.”

 

As of now, it remains uncertain whether the two MPs will face punishment for violating parliamentary ethics.

 

By Petch Petpailin

Caption: Photo by Thai News Pix via WorkPoint Today

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-22

 

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It's not controversy it's just a blatant disregard for the rule of law if you're one of the Thai chosen few

 

It's also an inability to see the complete hypocrisy of their actions and shows their disdain for the Plebs 

 

In fairness they've never been taught right from wrong and honesty and a moral compass are not required at the trough... 

Laws for the common people not for the ones in charge

At least the 2024 budget was finally approved, after having been delayed for five months, due to gross incompetence.

 

 

Thai parliament approves delayed $96 billion budget for 2024 fiscal year

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-parliament-passes-delayed-96-bln-budget-2024-fiscal-year-2024-03-22/

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite neglecting their parliamentary duties and watching football while on duty, the MPs further tarnished their image by streaming the video through an illegal website, prominently displaying a gambling site logo at the top of the screen

Kick them out....

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the two MPs belonged to the Pheu Thai Party and were seen cheering on the national team while other members were engaged in discussions regarding the 2024 budget, valued at over 3.4 trillion baht.

Their share of the swag had obviously been already agreed upon.

Oops

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite neglecting their parliamentary duties

Why would thus be "neglect" for House that seems in 'do-nothing mode' apart from the PM himself personally traveling the world for trade agreements. Example, the FY 2025 budget (effective October 1, 2024) has been delayed.