Bangkok: Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, indicated that they are waiting for the Election Commission to investigate the unusual cash withdrawal activities discovered by the Bank of Thailand (BOT) during the election period. Ekniti has been actively communicating with the BOT governor and reviewing the data bureau system, which mandates commercial banks to report any irregularities to the relevant authorities.
According to Thai News Agency, Ekniti highlighted that any unusual transactions, including those involving illicit funds, are to be reported and examined on a case-by-case basis. He noted that the Ministry of Justice, through the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), is already investigating these matters and that the investigation is nearing completion.
Ekniti emphasized the need for cooperation in creating a database bureau to prevent Thailand from becoming a hub for illicit capital. He stressed the importance of enhancing identity verification processes and monitoring withdrawal behavior. Regarding the potential for these unusual cash withdrawals to be linked to vote buying during the election, he stated that the Election Commission is the appropriate authority to conduct the investigation.