Bangkok: The Prime Minister has expressed commendation for the Governor of the Bank of Thailand for his vigilance in monitoring suspicious cash withdrawals during the election period. He emphasized that the responsibility for investigating these financial irregularities lies with the Election Commission and clarified that he remains uninvolved, given his status as a candidate.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the issue in an interview, highlighting that it is within the Bank of Thailand Governor's duties to report unusual financial transactions to the central bank. He confirmed that appropriate steps had been taken, including notifying the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Royal Thai Police if necessary.
Further inquiries about potential vote-buying in the election prompted Mr. Anutin to stress his non-involvement, citing the existence of designated officials responsible for such matters. He mentioned that any interaction with the Minister of Finance would involve commending the Bank of Thailand Governor for his proactive measures and clarifications, which reflect a serious approach to these financial concerns. He noted that the enforced requirement for bank branches to strictly report withdrawals of specific denominations marks a positive step towards enhancing transparency in the political landscape.
Addressing questions about the Prime Minister's potential request for information from the Bank of Thailand if irregularities were confirmed, Mr. Anutin reiterated that such responsibilities fall within the Election Commission's purview. As both a candidate and Prime Minister, he stressed the importance of avoiding any perceived misuse of power. His primary role, he stated, would be to convey appreciation to the Finance Minister for the Bank of Thailand Governor's diligent efforts during this crucial period.