Bhumjai Thai to Sue iLaw Over 'Senate Election Collusion' Allegations

Bhumjai Thai party-list MP and party legal representative Supachai Jaisamut stated that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and eight other individuals named by iLaw will file criminal defamation complaints against Yingcheep Atchanont, manager of the Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw). Jaisamut asserted that iLaw's allegations are based on unverified claims rather than evidence and falsely implicated the nine politicians in organizing Senate candidates, preparing voting slates, and arranging payments during the election. He emphasized that these accusations have damaged their reputations and that all nine will pursue legal action against Yingcheep. Yingcheep responded on Facebook, stating, "If Anutin sues for defamation, which is a private offense, the person in question must appear in person. I would appoint Anon Nampa as my lawyer, and Anon will cross-examine Anutin for two full days." The dispute arose after Yingcheep Atchanont submitted evidence to the opposition alleging that nine senior government figures, including Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, were linked to alleged collusion in the 2024 Senate election. iLaw urged lawmakers to scrutinize the case and prevent it from being dropped. The group alleged that witnesses implicated cabinet ministers and MPs in organizing meetings, coordinating Senate candidates, arranging payments, and planning voting strategies before the election. Those named include Deputy PM Songsak Thongsri, PM’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul, Napintorn Srisunpang, Suksomrauy Wantaneeyakul, Deputy PM Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Government Chief Whip Korrawee Prissananantakul, Bhumjai Thai MP Pichai Chomphupol, and former deputy House speaker Supachai Phosu. iLaw stressed the allegations were based on witness testimony and called for further investigation. People’s Party deputy leader Parit Wacharasindhu said the allegations reinforced claims that the Senate election collusion involved a wider political network rather than a handful of candidates. He announced that the opposition would use all available parliamentary mechanisms, including a planned no-confidence debate in the next parliamentary session, to investigate the case. The opposition will also hold another public forum on July 26 featuring new witnesses from several provinces. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul brushed off iLaw’s allegations, calling the information "not credible" and insisting he had no involvement. He stated the matter should be left to investigators. Separately, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's singing of the Chinese classic "Tian Mi Mi" at an official luncheon in Beijing has caused ripples in Thailand, as the song was once banned in China. The government defended the performance, with spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek stating that focus should be on the outcomes of the meetings, not minor issues like the song. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana cited Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao newspaper, which described the performance as "music diplomacy" that helped strengthen Thailand-China ties. However, former vice minister for foreign affairs Russ Jalichandra criticized the song choice, citing its association with Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng and lyricist Zhuang Nu, suggesting it showed poor understanding of cross-strait politics. He questioned why no one in the Thai delegation advised against the performance. In police matters, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will chair a Police Commission meeting today to select the 16th National Police Chief, succeeding Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, who retires on September 30. Four candidates are eligible, with Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma widely seen as a leading contender. Anutin stated the selection would follow the law and focus on capability. The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Rapeephat Chantasriwong, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, effective October 1. Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit denied allegations of financial interests tied to promotions. The Central Committee for Local Government Personnel has postponed a meeting to consider revoking the appointments of 5,928 local officials over alleged irregularities in the recruitment exam. An investigation is expanding to prosecute additional individuals involved. Information source: Thai Enquirer