Twenty key individuals from the Blue Faction implicated in a congressional investigation into alleged collusion
The "Senator collusion case" is heating up, with the EC investigation delving deeper into accusations of collusion between high-profile figures from the Bhumjaithai Party.
Recently, the 26th Central Investigation Committee of the Election Commission (EC) issued a seventh round of summonses, targeting approximately 20 bigwigs from the so-called "Blue Faction". The group includes some heavy hitters from the Bhumjaithai Party such as:
- Party patriarch Newin Chidchob
- Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister, and party leader Anutin Charnvirakul
- Party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob, Newin's son
- Paradorn Prissananantakul of the Ang Thong political clan, suspected of being the brains behind the scheme
The EC has now summoned at least 162 individuals across seven rounds, with over 100 being senators. At least 20 of these are Bhumjaithai Party members, several of whom are key players in the "Blue Faction".
Bhumjaithai Party representative Chada Thaiseth confirmed that several executive board members had been summoned by the EC. Although he claimed they all maintain their innocence, they stand ready to provide explanations when required[4].
Notable Bhumjaithai Party members summoned as part of the probe include:
- Warin Chinwong - Chief Executive of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Administration Organization
- Somkiat Liangprasit - Owner of Kiatcharoenchai Boxing Camp Group and father of Satun MP Worasit Liangprasit
- Somjet Lipaphan - Adviser to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
- Wongsakorn Chanakit - Secretary to the House Committee on Natural Disasters
- Supachai Phosu - Former MP for Nakhon Phanom and former Deputy Speaker of the House; a key figure in the "Friends of Newin" group
- Naphinthorn Srisanpang - Current Deputy Commerce Minister
- Phonperm Thongsri - Elder brother of Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri
- Suksomruay Wantaneyakun - MP for Amnat Charoen
- "Rattana" - Close associate of the "Buri Ram powerhouse" faction
- Pichai Chomphupol - MP for Surat Thani
The EC investigation began by casting a wide net, initially summoning senators suspected of involvement in the alleged Senator collusion scheme. With preliminary testimonies collected, the EC and DSI began tracking financial transactions and key witnesses[2]. A separate money laundering case is also being handled by the DSI, believed to stem from the same suspected collusion[5].
The ongoing investigation has led authorities to summon not only senators but also prominent political operatives suspected of orchestrating the scheme[2]. The Buri Ram political clan was reportedly upset when their names appeared on the list of suspects[1].
As political rumors swirl about an impending Cabinet reshuffle, there are whispers that Anutin may be ousted to allow the rival "Red Faction" to seize control of the Interior Ministry. Anutin confirmed he will comply with the summons, stating that he will cooperate fully with legal counsel and has no concerns about the investigation[1].
References:
- EC's probe finds Bhumjaithai's senator faction teamwork unlawful
- EC summons over 20 Bhumjaithai figures over vote-buying claims
- Seven more summoned in Thai election 'vote-rigging' scandal
- Bhumjaithai lawmaker denies any involvement in election scandal
- The 'Senator collusion case': key figures, accusations, and implications
- The ongoing investigation into the "Senator collusion case" has expanded beyond senators, targeting prominent political operatives and high-profile figures, such as Newin Chidchob, the Party patriarch of the Bhumjaithai Party, and Paradorn Prissananantakul, suspected of being the brains behind the scheme.
- The investigation's scope has encompassed various aspects of Thai society, reaching into policy-and-legislation and culture, with key players like Supachai Phosu, a former MP and deputy speaker, and Naphinthorn Srisanpong, the current Deputy Commerce Minister, being summoned.
- The "Senator collusion case" has also raised questions in the realm of crime-and-justice, with separate money laundering charges being handled by the DSI, believed to stem from the same alleged collusion, and political rumors suggesting possible ousting of high-profile figures like Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in a potential Cabinet reshuffle.
