Bangkok:Ms. Pakamon Nunanan, a party-list MP from the People's Party, has raised concerns regarding the Election Commission's (EC) impending investigation into the party's fundraising activities related to flood relief donations. The investigation is feared to be a political maneuver that could potentially lead to the dissolution of the party.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Pakamon clarified that the account under scrutiny belongs to three civilian volunteers who have been collaborating with the party since 2015 on wildfire suppression and disaster relief initiatives. She emphasized that this account was not newly established for receiving flood-related donations but was publicized to encourage public support during the crisis.
Ms. Pakamon assured that all donations were appropriately utilized for their intended purposes, with verifiable expenditure records available. The party is prepared to have the account holder provide detailed explanations if required. However, the primary concern lies in the potential for unequal law enforcement standards among political parties, rather than the financial transparency itself.
The People's Party, alongside the Move Forward Party, was not the first to use donation accounts for disaster relief. Thus, they are calling for a comprehensive investigation into all political parties engaging in similar activities, ensuring consistent standards and not just focusing on the People's Party.
Addressing speculation about the need to report the account to the Ministry of Interior as a foundation, Pakamon explained that the account is managed by three individuals volunteering for social welfare, not a foundation. She is confident that the account holders can adequately explain the funds' sources and usage.
On the issue of obtaining permission for soliciting donations under the Fundraising Control Act, Pakamon expressed uncertainty but indicated readiness to comply with legal requirements. She reiterated the need for equal scrutiny of all parties previously involved in similar activities.
The potential use of this case in "legal warfare" to dissolve political parties remains Pakamon's biggest concern. While confident in clarifying financial transactions, she fears the issue may be exploited to dismantle political entities, which she strongly opposes.
The party seeks a retrospective investigation of all political parties' collaboration with foundations or civil society groups in soliciting donations for disaster relief, ensuring adherence to uniform guidelines.
Lastly, Pakamon addressed any public misunderstanding regarding the donations, affirming that the messaging clearly described the collaborative nature of the effort and complied with legal standards. The party's legal team is prepared to clarify matters if an official investigation ensues.
The People's Party remains committed to transparency in financial matters, advocating for impartial law enforcement that is not wielded as a political weapon to undermine the party.
Source Thai News Agency