Bangkok: “Napinthorn” relieved, ready to bring evidence, witnesses to give information within 5 days, clear all issues, “Somjet” confused about the Election Commission charging without specifying the circumstances, insists not involved, ready to cooperate in explaining everything, reveals talking to “Anutin” because he is an advisor, asks not to link politics
Mr. Napintorn Srisanpang, Deputy Minister of Commerce, shared his thoughts after being summoned by the 26th Investigation and Inquiry Committee of the EC Office.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Napintorn stated that he had not engaged in any inappropriate behavior regarding the senator selection process. He expressed his readiness to present evidence and bring forward 5-6 witnesses to support his case within the next few days. Although details about a third-party witness remained undisclosed, Mr. Napintorn asserted his confidence in proving his innocence.
When probed about the allegations of collusion with senators, Mr. Napintorn confirmed that he had been informed of the charges. However, he refrained from discussing specifics, relying instead on his witnesses to demonstrate his non-involvement. “I am confident that the evidence I will bring will be able to prove my innocence. I am not worried about anything. I am quite relieved because there is no behavior that I cannot prove,” Mr. Napintorn stated.
Mr. Somjet Lipaphan, a former MP from Sukhothai and advisor to the Minister of Interior, also responded to the charges of Senate collusion. He clarified that he was not involved in any such activities and noted the lack of detailed information from the committee regarding his alleged involvement. Mr. Somjet emphasized that he was willing to cooperate fully with any further inquiries. He explained that during the examination, he and other involved parties were kept separate and did not communicate with one another.
Mr. Somjet mentioned his conversation with Mr. Anutin, asserting that their discussions were routine and unrelated to the charges at hand. He dismissed any political implications, suggesting that media narratives might be responsible for such connections. “No, don’t think like that. It’s not political. Only the media tries to connect it to politics because most politics come from the media,” Mr. Somjet explained.
Mr. Wongsakorn Chanakit, a former candidate for MP for Phuket District 2 from the Bhumjaithai Party, echoed similar sentiments after presenting his explanation to the committee. He mentioned that his session primarily involved questions about legal aspects, and he answered them based on facts. Confident in his innocence, Mr. Wongsakorn expressed his willingness to continue cooperating if required.