EC Investigates 250 Million Baht Withdrawal, Potential Political Party Links

Thairath•Politics•251d ago

Reader Briefing

Election Commission investigates a 250 million baht unusual cash withdrawal from the Bank of Thailand, exploring potential links to political parties and vote buying activities.

•The Election Commission (EC) is investigating an unusual withdrawal of 250 million baht from the Bank of Thailand.
•Six commercial bank customers made the withdrawal, and the EC is examining their connections to political parties or candidates.
•EC Secretary-General Sa-nguan Boonmee stated the withdrawal could be for business purposes and not necessarily vote buying, emphasizing fairness in the investigation.
•The EC is intensifying monitoring in 42 provinces with highly competitive elections to prevent vote buying.

Overview

•Election Commission Secretary-General Sa-nguan Boonmee revealed an inquiry into an unusual cash withdrawal of 250 million baht.
•Six customers of commercial banks made the unusual withdrawal, prompting an investigation by the EC.
•On February 3, the matter of the 250 million baht withdrawal will be presented to the Election Commission for their information.
•The investigation aims to determine if the funds are linked to political parties or candidates, or if it pertains to legitimate business transactions.
•Sa-nguan Boonmee stressed that the withdrawal might be for business and not necessarily vote buying, emphasizing fairness in the investigation.
•The Election Commission is increasing surveillance in 42 provinces identified as having intense electoral competition to prevent vote buying.
•The EC has deployed police nationwide and election observers to proactively monitor and deter illegal activities before elections.
•The EC is collaborating with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to trace the source of the funds and ensure transparency.

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Key Quotes

Sa-nguan Boonmee

"This withdrawal may not be related to vote buying, fairness must be given."

การเบิกเงินครั้งนี้อาจจะไม่เกี่ยวข้องกับการซื้อสิทธิ์ขายเสียงก็ได้ ต้องให้ความเป็นธรรมด้วย

Sa-nguan Boonmee

"But if it's related to any political party or politician, it can be investigated easily."

แต่หากเกี่ยวข้องกับพรรคการเมืองหรือนักการเมืองคนใด ตรวจสอบได้ไม่ยาก

Sa-nguan Boonmee

"But if no relationship is found, it might be for business purposes."

แต่หากหาความสัมพันธ์ไม่ได้ ก็อาจจะเป็นเรื่องของการนำไปใช้ทำธุรกิจก็ได้

Key Entities

Organization

Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)ℹ️

The regulatory body in Thailand responsible for overseeing elections and investigating irregularities.

Bank of Thailand (BOT)(ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

The central bank of Thailand that has provided data to the Election Commission regarding unusual cash withdrawals.

Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)(ปปง.)ℹ️

The Thai government agency cooperating with the Election Commission to investigate the source of the 250 million baht withdrawal.

Person

Sa-nguan Boonmee(แสวง บุญมี)

The Secretary-General of the Thai Election Commission, who is providing updates on the 250 million baht withdrawal investigation.