Bangkok: Adisorn Piangket, a party-list MP from the Pheu Thai Party, has publicly revealed accusations against Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, asserting his involvement in a Senate collusion case. Adisorn is urging Anutin to speak clearly on the matter and to avoid interfering in the investigation process. He claims that the Senate’s authority has been usurped, prompting protests and challenges for Anutin to withdraw from the case.
According to Thai News Agency, Adisorn expressed his doubts about the ability of political leaders, including the Prime Minister, to uphold justice and the rule of law in the nation. He cited a lack of confidence in the Senate collusion case, emphasizing the importance of honesty among Members of Parliament and Senators. Adisorn disclosed that he fears repercussions, as the Senate holds significant power in scrutinizing laws and selecting independent organizations.
Adisorn presented documentary evidence indicating that a political party near Kasetsart University initially proposed a collusion plan, which was agreed upon in a general meeting and resulted in the appointment of a Senate candidate. Anutin, along with others, is accused of involvement in this scheme.
Adisorn also expressed mistrust in Anutin’s ability to manage the situation during his tenure. He clarified that while he has no intent to dissolve Parliament, he suspects that the case might be dissolved. Should the investigation confirm the allegations, it could lead to the dissolution of the implicated party and the stripping of political rights from its executive committee and Cabinet members.
The accusations led to a protest from Senator Pisit Apiwattanapong, who requested that the meeting chairman regulate the discourse to focus on the appropriateness of policy rather than past government actions. Senate President Mongkol Surasajja urged Adisorn to succinctly outline his expectations from the government.
Adisorn challenged the government’s democratic claims, accusing them of seizing Senate power to assume the Prime Minister position. He called for the Prime Minister to publicly commit to non-interference in justice processes and instructed the DSI, EC, and Public Prosecutor’s Office to caution Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Bowornsak Uwanno against interference.
Senator Boonchan Nuansai objected to Adisorn’s claim about stolen Senate power, prompting Adisorn to amend his statement from “steal” to “conspiracy.”
Continuing his address, Adisorn questioned Anutin and the other 187 individuals summoned by the DSI, suggesting that their involvement would ignite parliamentary debate. He expressed certainty about the allegations, lamenting the support Anutin received from a fellow party. Adisorn concluded with a poem alluding to the collusion allegations, emphasizing the weight of the evidence.
In response, Mr. Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, a party-list MP for the Prachachon Party, noted the recurring defiant responses from senators. He called for restraint and polite conduct during discussions, acknowledging the tense atmosphere within the assembly.