File photo courtesy of Xinhua

 

The plot thickens in Thailand's political theatre as Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong dismisses fiery accusations that the government tried to buy votes. The main opposition, People's Party (PP), claims their Rayong MP was courted with a cool 10 million baht (around £220,000) to sway his vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a recent no-confidence showdown.

 

Prasert, who also serves as the digital economy and society minister, has poured cold water over these claims. He insists the government comfortably commands more than 300 MPs—enough to clinch the confidence vote without resorting to under-the-table tactics. The alleged evidence? A Facebook post by Mr. Mr Krit, the PP MP, featuring a snapshot of a Line app chat purportedly showing a cash offer.

 

The drama unfolded as the two-day censure debate wrapped up, culminating in a Wednesday morning vote. Out of 488 MPs, 319 backed the Prime Minister, leaving 162 against and seven on the fence. Interestingly, a handful of opposition MPs crossed the aisle, backing Ms Paetongtarn against the grain of their parties. Among them were seven defectors, including Kanchana Changwa from Palang Pracharath and Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit from the Thai Progressive Party.

 

 

 

Prasert waves away the vote-buying narrative as exaggerated, arguing some opposition MPs may have genuinely been swayed by Ms Paetongtarn's staunch defence. "Groundless," he calls Mr Krit's Facebook allegation. Prasert also shoots down rumours that turncoat MPs hope to climb aboard the government's bandwagon for future perks.

 

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin chimes in, advising the opposition to bolster their claims rather than fling unsubstantiated allegations. He also took a swing at opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut for approaching the PM post-vote under the guise of snapping a photo, only to demand more comprehensive answers to his supposedly unanswered queries.

 

Somsak isn't having it, labelling Natthaphong's actions as disrespectful. "In my four-decade parliamentary career, I've seen nothing like it," he remarks. Natthaphong's tactic of feigning a photo op before badgering the PM hasn't gone down well.

 

While the government stands firm in the eye of this political storm, the ripple effect of these claims hasn't gone unnoticed. Insiders wonder whether all this noise hints at bigger plays behind the scenes. Amidst the allegations and counter-allegations, the political stage remains ever captivating, with all eyes on the next act in this unfolding drama. Surely, there's more to come.

 

Based on a story by Bangkok Post

 

-- 2025-03-28

 

 

19 hours ago, webfact said:

Surely, there's more to come

Think of all not revealed cases in the past and future to come.

Thailand as a hub for corruption? Hard to believe?😂

It would be nice if the AI & other writers could master the difference between 'refute' and 'deny'.

No corruption... not in this lifetime.

They only got into power by using the corruption method while many countries around the world are corrupt Thailand does it openly big brown envelopes is the order of the day 

I don't believe anything the deputy PM says. He's far from being a straight operator.

Might be interesting to check recent bank transfers to 'MP' defectors...not accusing only saying...🤔

Deputy PM Refutes 10 Million Baht Bribe Allegation.  

 

Where is smoke there's Fire, Right.

Something Smoldering up there.

 

3 hours ago, Faranginthai said:

Might be interesting to check recent bank transfers to 'MP' defectors...not accusing only saying...🤔

Do you think they'd have bonuses paid into their own accounts... these are professionals remember.

These super corrupt creeps are likely taking in billions, not millions of baht. During the Prayut Administration I can't even imagine the hundreds of billions of baht that exchanged hands, and nobody is ever held accountable, as they are all above any and all laws. There is never any political will to investigate any of these allegations in a serious manner.