Bangkok:The House Police Commission is preparing to summon cyber police officers to investigate the donation funds of all political parties, including Bhumjaithai. This move comes amid concerns of illicit funding and the potential dissolution of involved parties.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Watcharapong Kuwijitsuwann, MP for Saraburi and Chairman of the House of Representatives' Police Committee, announced that the committee is set to invite the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to systematically scrutinize the financial transactions and sources of donations to all political parties. This investigation seeks to ensure transparency and fairness, particularly in light of allegations involving Ms. Suchada Sangtanasap, MP for Chaiyaphum and a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, who, along with her husband, is suspected of connections to a foreign online gambling network.
Mr. Watcharapong emphasized the necessity of applying the same investigative standards to all political parties. Continuous reports have surfaced about party members and MPs from various regions being involved in illegal activities such as gambling and fraud. These cases are under investigation by the police and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), with some already filed with the public prosecutor.
Additionally, Mr. Watcharapong stated that the investigation will extend to the payment gateway systems used by political parties to receive donations, in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce. This is to verify compliance with legal procedures, especially after learning that the payment gateway owner is facing public fraud charges.
Should any wrongdoing be discovered, the Thai Embassy is authorized to further investigate and coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), with potential evidence being handed over to the Election Commission (EC) or the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for legal action. Mr. Watcharapong warned that political parties implicated in circulating illicit funds risk dissolution.