Bangkok: Parit Wacharasindhu, a member of the People's Party, presented evidence in Parliament pressing Minister Napinthorn Srisarppang to answer allegations concerning his involvement in a Senate corruption case. Parit demanded clarification on whether Napinthorn summoned Senate candidates to meet him at the Ministry of Commerce before the national election day and coerced them into signing pre-resignation letters. According to Thai News Agency, during a House of Representatives session on August 27, 2026, Parit posed an oral question to Minister Napinthorn regarding these allegations. However, Napinthorn did not appear to address the question, citing an official visit to Ratchaburi province as the reason for his absence. Parit expressed disappointment over the lack of response from the minister, emphasizing that the government had sufficient notice to schedule the question and that Napinthorn's absence might violate parliamentary regulations. Parit outlined the allegations he received, suggesting that Nap inthorn, while serving as Deputy Minister of Commerce, summoned a Senate candidate to his office twice before the national Senate election on June 26, 2024. The first meeting allegedly took place on June 24, 2024, where Napinthorn reportedly implied he would ask for favors if the candidate was elected. The second meeting allegedly occurred on June 25, 2024, where Napinthorn is accused of having the candidate sign a pre-resignation letter, potentially to control the candidate's future actions. Parit intends to question Napinthorn directly about the authenticity of these meetings and whether the candidate was indeed summoned on June 24 and 25, 2024. He speculated that Napinthorn might claim the meetings were unrelated to the election and instead concerned agricultural issues in Ratchaburi, though Parit questioned the validity of any supporting documents Napinthorn might present. Parit also raised concerns about the credibility of witnesses who might confirm the meetings' agendas, noting that several individua ls present are themselves implicated in the Senate election fraud case. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of any testimonies provided by those involved. Parit concluded by making three demands: for Napinthorn to clarify the allegations, for Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan to prevent tampering with evidence, and for the Election Commission to impartially prosecute those accused. He urged the authorities not to dismiss cases despite clear evidence to protect political allies.
