Bangkok: Phanthil Nuamjerm, a Member of Parliament from the Prachachart Party, has urged the Election Commission and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to expedite their investigation into the alleged collusion in the Senate election, emphasizing the need to identify the real masterminds behind the case. He highlighted that the initial eight suspects represent only a fraction of the entire network involved.
According to Thai News Agency, Phanthil's statement specifically addresses the selection process of Senators, which has been clouded by public suspicions of manipulation. He pointed out that the eight suspects named by the prosecutor to the DSI are only part of a larger network, with key figures still unidentified. The aim is to ensure that the investigation does not conclude with only a few individuals being prosecuted. On June 25th, the Election Commission's subcommittee examining the Senate selection process will invite Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, a list MP and leader of the Prachachart Party, along with DSI officials, to clarify whether any networks manipulated the Senate selection process.
The case involves allegations of conspiracy and money laundering, with transactions valued at approximately 400-500 million baht. The DSI has classified the network into different levels, including those giving orders, setting up systems, carrying out operations, and those elected as Senators. This categorization indicates that the initial eight suspects do not encompass the entire case, and the investigation has yet to determine the true perpetrators.
Phanthil emphasized that the case file is extensive, involving numerous individuals including senators, politicians, and political figures, yet only eight suspects were initially brought to trial. This raises significant concerns about whether the investigation will extend to the actual masterminds behind the crime.
He also mentioned individuals linked to financial transactions and political figures in the government, including former parliamentary assistants and candidates. Phanthil believes that political parties with connections to these individuals must allow for transparent scrutiny and fact-finding.
Phanthil concluded by stressing that the investigation should focus on identifying those giving orders and financing the operation, and whether the Senate's voting was independent or influenced by any network. He called on the DSI to expedite the investigation to include those in command and urged the Election Commission to update the public on the progress of the case. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) is also urged to examine the financial transactions and assets involved, while political parties with members implicated at various levels must clearly state their willingness to undergo a thorough investigation.