Renunakhon: Supachai Jaisamut has firmly disputed claims made by Monporn Charoensri concerning the alleged diversion of funds from a digital currency project to the "Half-Price Plus" scheme. Supachai, a candidate from the Bhumjaithai Party, announced plans to file a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging defamation and damage to his reputation.
According to Thai News Agency, Supachai addressed the issue in Renunakhon District, Nakhon Phanom Province, responding to statements made by Monporn, a candidate from the Pheu Thai Party and former Deputy Minister of Transport. Monporn had claimed that the failure of the 10,000 baht digital currency project during Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration was due to the funds being redirected to the "Half-Price Plus" project. Supachai refuted this, asserting that the claim was misleading and false.
Supachai clarified that the digital wallet project, which aimed to provide 10,000 baht, was halted under Paetongtarn's government due to legal objections from various agencies, including the National Economic and Social Development Council and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Consequently, the project could not proceed, and alternative schemes were explored.
Further addressing the issue, Supachai emphasized that the current government, led by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, had not diverted any funds from the Digital Wallet project to the Co-Pay Plus project, as the former had already been discontinued. He pointed out that Monporn, being a part of the government at that time, was aware of the suspension.
Supachai stated that Monporn's public claims amounted to defamation, potentially influencing voters against the Bhumjaithai Party and violating election laws. Dr. Alongkot Maneekas, the Bhumjaithai Party's candidate for Nakhon Phanom, plans to file a complaint with the Director of Elections for Nakhon Phanom Province. Meanwhile, the Bhumjaithai Party will submit a complaint to the Central Election Commission, citing defamation and misinformation as factors affecting the party's popularity. Supachai affirmed the party's commitment to pursuing legal action against any election law violations targeting the party or its candidates.