Political scandal: Former Bhumjaithai Party trio out on parole

Picture courtesy of Ars Technica

By Bob Scott

Three former Bhumjaithai Party members, once sentenced to nine months behind bars for ethical breaches, yesterday strolled out of prison on parole. Having served part of their time, the trio is now back in the spotlight as they re-enter the world beyond bars.

Among them, Natee Ratchakitprakarn, once a list MP and the wife of Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, emerged from the Central Women’s Correctional Institution.

Meanwhile, Phatthalung natives Chalong Thoetwiraphong and Phumsit Khongmi departed the Bangkok Remand Prison. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders had found them guilty back in June of an ethics breach that rocked the political landscape.

The scandal centred around their illicit decision to let other MPs wield their electronic voting cards during a pivotal budget bill vote in January 2020, a blunder that came with heavy repercussions. The fallout from their actions saw the budget bill’s second and third readings declared null and void, abruptly ceasing their political aspirations.

On top of their jail time, they were slapped with a stripping of their political rights, underscoring the severity of their misconduct, an unnamed political analyst noted, hinting at the gravity of the political ethos in question.

“The verdict was clear, and the penalties imposed were meant to reflect the seriousness of their misconduct.”

As the Bhumjaithai Party grapples with this stain on its reputation, it faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust within Thai politics. Pundits suggest all eyes will be on the party’s next steps as it seeks to mend its fractured image amidst the lingering shadow of scandal.

With the return of these ex-MPs to civilian life, the broader ripples of their ethical breach continue to resonate through political circles, serving as a stark cautionary tale about the costs of straying from integrity in public office.