BANGKOK, Jan 27 (TNA) - Thailand's opposition Puea Thai Party on Tuesday filed a complaint against Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat with the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) accusing him of distributing 500-baht banknotes and his business card to voters in his constituency in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit charged that Mr. Boonjong's alleged vote-buying action was deemed to represent a criminal offence that would likely lead to his impeachment.
Handing out cash with one's business card to constituents is tantamount to buying votes, said the party spokesman.
Mr. Prompong also said the party is also looking into the case to determine whether or not Witoon Nambutr, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, was involved in the incident. If he is found to have colluded with other politicians to disburse ministry's budget to lure voters, the minister himself would also likely be impeached.
Meanwhile, Mr. Boonjong said he is confident that he can defend himself against the accusation, saying what he had done was to benefit 200 villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima's Chokechai district.
He said the villagers and district chief are willing to testify to support his statement.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban brushed aside the question of removing the deputy interior minister, saying he was confident Mr. Boonjong would be able to defend himself against the accusation.
Mr. Suthep also said it was unlikely the Cabinet's stability and credibility would be shaken by the incident. (TNA)
Political News : Last Update : 13:35:15 27 January 2009 (GMT+7:00)
|
