Bangkok: Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has firmly denied any involvement in an alleged Senate collusion scandal, defending his son, Chalath Ratchakitprakarn, and promising legal action if accusations are made without evidence. Speaking as a key figure in the Bhumjaithai Party, Pipat addressed allegations from a People's Party MP that linked his son to the scandal.
According to Thai News Agency, Pipat clarified that Chalath, a party-list MP associated with Bhumjaithai Party, is legally prohibited from interfering in Senate selections due to his position. Pipat questioned who could verify the involvement of the alleged 19 Senators contacted by an expert personal to Chalath. He emphasized that MPs should not meddle with Senators, as they are not affiliated with political parties and do not dictate party actions. Pipat stressed that anyone making such allegations should be scrutinized for their motives and intentions, asserting that political parties and the Senate operate independently.
When queried about his readiness to clarify the situation should the opposition raise the issue in a no-confidence debate, Pipat inquired about the specific grounds they would present. He reiterated that Chalath, as a list MP, was not part of the Senate selection process and could not be implicated. Pipat expressed his willingness to respond to parliamentary debates, emphasizing the necessity of evidence for any accusations. He warned that baseless claims would be contested legally, underscoring the protection of his and his party's rights.
Pipat also affirmed his preparedness to pursue legal action if discussions proceeded without evidence, stating the importance of defending rights against slander. As reporters noted, Pipat briefly informed the Prime Minister about the interview regarding the alleged collusion, after which they departed together with a smile.