Bangkok: Sri Suwan Janya, leader of the "Love the Nation, Love the Country" organization, has petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to launch an investigation into alleged vote-buying activities by members of the Prachachon Party. The scandal involves a mysterious woman reportedly making calls to MPs, offering 10 kilograms of cash in exchange for votes on the upcoming budget vote.
According to Thai News Agency, Srisuwan has urged the EC to summon the involved MPs from the Prachachon Party for questioning. The mysterious caller, who is at the center of this controversy, allegedly contacted MPs to secure their votes on the 2026 Budget Bill and the proposed Entertainment Complex Act. The EC is tasked with identifying the caller, who, if found guilty, could face a five-year suspension of voting rights and potentially lead to the dissolution of the Prachachon Party.
The incident came to light following a revelation by the deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, who disclosed the vote-buying attempts. A Khon Kaen MP from the party later admitted to receiving an offer of 10 kilograms of cash for votes. Srisuwan emphasized the gravity of the situation, arguing that it undermines the political party system and democratic processes. He called for a systematic investigation by the EC, which has the legal authority to summon the MP who admitted to the conversation and identify the caller through mobile network records.
The 2017 Organic Act on Political Parties includes provisions against such activities. Sections 30 and 31 of the Act prohibit offering or accepting money or benefits to influence party membership or votes. Violators face penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and the revocation of voting rights. Furthermore, Section 92 mandates the dissolution of a party if it is found to have engaged in such illegal activities, as determined by the Constitutional Court upon evidence from the EC.
Srisuwan highlighted the potential consequences for the Prachachon Party, stating that both the giver and recipient of the bribe could face criminal and political penalties. He urged the EC to act decisively to prevent the erosion of democratic principles and ensure accountability within the political system.