Bangkok: Witnesses in a high-profile collusion case have unveiled a fraudulent scheme involving alleged bribery payments linked to a political faction known as the Blue Party and relatives of a deputy minister. These revelations emerged as part of a seminar commemorating the second anniversary of the Senate election, organized by the Coordinating Committee of Opposition Political Parties in the House of Representatives.
According to Thai News Agency, the seminar provided an in-depth analysis of Senate election processes, including voting and vote counting, and presented evidence of alleged collusion in the elections. Four witnesses from different provinces - Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Nakhon Si Thammarat - shared their insights into the fraudulent process, highlighting the alleged involvement of the Blue Party and relatives of a deputy minister in bribery schemes.
During the seminar, Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu demonstrated how predetermined Senate candidate numbers could be manipulated, illustrating the potential implications for collusion in the Senate. His analysis raised critical questions about the potential abuse of power in scrutinizing legislation and approving appointments to independent organizations, should the allegations prove true.
Witnesses recounted detailed accounts of the alleged bribery scheme, including pre-arranged meetings at hotels in Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya provinces. They described promises of compensation and travel expenses, orchestrated by an MP from the Blue Party, to recruit individuals for controlling independent organizations in exchange for millions of baht. The testimonies also pointed to alleged plotting by a group known as the "Young Turks" to manipulate the political system by recruiting influential families and exerting control over key organizations like the Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
The testimonies also revealed monetary exchanges, with witnesses number three and four admitting to receiving money for recruiting participants. Evidences such as banknotes and shirts were presented, along with claims that a relative of a deputy minister orchestrated the entire collusion process.
Mr. Parit highlighted an attempt by the Blue Party to dissuade him from exposing the collusion, reportedly offering him millions of baht. He called for accountability from those in high positions involved in obstructing the investigation.
The final witness from Nakhon Si Thammarat concluded the seminar by handing over documents containing a list of individuals allegedly involved in the collusion to Mr. Parit, further implicating high-profile figures in this ongoing political scandal.