Bangkok: “Napinthorn Srisanpang, Deputy Minister of Commerce, has expressed relief after addressing the charges of collusion in selecting Senators brought by the 26th Investigation and Inquiry Committee of the Election Commission (EC) Office. He stated he is prepared to present evidence and witnesses within five days to clarify all issues.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Napinthorn shared that he had never engaged in the alleged activities and that the committee could not provide further details when requested. He intends to bring documentary evidence and 5-6 witnesses to support his case, though he chose not to disclose details about a third-party witness due to their outsider status.

When questioned about his involvement in the collusion process with the senators, Mr. Napinthorn mentioned that while he had been informed by the committee, he possesses witnesses who can attest to his non-involvement. Confident in his evidence, he emphasized his belief in proving his innocence, stating, “There is no behavior that I cannot prove.”

Mr. Somjet Lipaphan, former MP of Sukhothai and advisor to the Minister of Interior, also commented after acknowledging the charges. He expressed confusion over the lack of specific circumstances in the charges and maintained that he had no involvement. He assured that he was willing to provide further explanations if necessary but noted that the examination process involved separate rooms for each individual.

Mr. Somjet further clarified that his discussions with Mr. Anutin, his advisor, were routine and not related to the investigation. He dismissed any political connections to the charges, attributing such links to media speculation. He also dismissed accusations linked to dining at the Pullman Hotel, arguing that it was a public venue accessible to anyone.

Additionally, Mr. Wongsakorn Chanakit, former candidate for MP for Phuket District 2 and secretary of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Disasters and Public Disasters, detailed his own experience with the investigation. He explained that the committee’s inquiries mostly concerned legal issues, to which he responded based on factual information. Confident of his innocence, Mr. Wongsakorn expressed readiness to return for further statements if needed.