Bangkok: Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, refrained from giving a statement to the ICT Committee regarding the 40 million baht bribe. Siam Hatthasongkhro, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Nong Bua Lamphu and chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy and Society, has expressed confidence in the minister’s statement and urges collaboration in cracking down on the “call center gang.”
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siam addressed the House of Representatives’ invitation to Mr. Chaichanok concerning the alleged bribe intended to deter action against the call center gang. Mr. Siam stated that the committee was interested in the matter and believed Mr. Chaichanok’s words were true, given the committee’s focus on monitoring scams. Although Mr. Chaichanok initially promised to clarify the situation to the committee, urgent business prevented his attendance, leading him to send a representative instead.
Mr. Siam further noted concerns over a potential resurgence of call center gangs amid government changes, citing insights from the Anti-Online Crime Operations Center (AOC) that highlight the prevalence of cyber fraud and online gambling. Despite these concerns, Mr. Siam acknowledged recent intensified efforts to combat these issues.
When questioned about the possibility of further invitations to Mr. Chaichanok for clarification, Mr. Siam confirmed that the committee intends to re-extend an invitation. He emphasized that Mr. Chaichanok, now a minister, is likely aware of the bold attempts to leverage bribery for the continuation of online gambling websites. Mr. Siam is confident that Mr. Chaichanok is committed to collaborating with the committee to decisively tackle these criminal activities.
In response to inquiries about whether other individuals, including MPs from the Bhumjaithai Party and MPs’ personal experts mentioned in the news, would also be summoned for clarification, Mr. Siam underscored the necessity of integration. He acknowledged the occurrence of the facts as presented by the minister in Parliament, asserting the truth of the statements. Mr. Siam plans to track discussions between the minister and the new permanent secretary, expected to be established within 30 days, and assured accountability for all involved.
Regarding potential actions if Mr. Chaichanok fails to clarify, Mr. Siam mentioned that the case has reached the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Crime Suppression Division. He vowed to continue following up as a representative of the deceived public, emphasizing the matter’s significance as a security issue that warrants persistent attention.