ECP Probes Fund Irregularities; Dr. Suphat Remains Election Qualified

Thairath•Politics•267d ago

Reader Briefing

The Election Commission of Thailand is prepared to investigate alleged irregularities in fund withdrawals during the election period once data is received from the Bank of Thailand, while affirming that Dr. Suphat remains a qualified candidate for the Songkhla Constituency 2 MP seat.

•The Election Commission (ECP) is awaiting information from the Bank of Thailand (BOT) regarding unusual fund withdrawals during the election period.
•ECP President Narong Klaitararin stated that the ECP will proceed with an inquiry as soon as the BOT data is received.
•Despite ongoing inquiries into his eligibility, Dr. Suphat Hasuwannakit is currently deemed qualified to run as an MP for Songkhla Constituency 2.
•The ECP is also seeking information from the Ministry of Public Health regarding disciplinary action against Dr. Suphat, which may affect his candidacy.

Overview

•On Jan 29, the ECP held a meeting to request details on unusual fund transfers or withdrawals from the Bank of Thailand. The ECP is awaiting this data to proceed with an investigation.
•ECP President Narong Klaitararin stated that the Election Commission is ready to initiate an inquiry into the irregular fund withdrawal case as soon as the Bank of Thailand transmits the necessary data.
•Information regarding Dr. Suphat's disciplinary proceedings and potential disqualifications is still pending from the Ministry of Public Health, as confirmed by the provincial ECP office.
•Narong Klaitararin emphasized that as of now, Dr. Suphat is still considered qualified to contest as an MP candidate for Songkhla Constituency 2, pending further information on disciplinary actions.
•The ECP has dispatched its Deputy Secretary-General to coordinate with the Bank of Thailand to expedite the provision of financial transaction data.
•The Bank of Thailand has pledged to gradually provide the requested data to the ECP, enabling the examination of fund transfers and withdrawals to support the ongoing inquiry.
•The investigation into Dr. Suphat's eligibility stems from his prior role and subsequent departure from his position as Director of Saba Yoi Hospital, with concerns raised about potential disciplinary actions impacting his candidacy.
•The ECP's inquiry into Dr. Suphat's qualifications is based on potential disciplinary actions from the Ministry of Public Health, which could render him ineligible to run for election.

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Source: Thairath (Original)

Key Quotes

Narong Klaitararin

"The ECP will convene quickly."

กกต. จะรีบประชุมโดยเร็ว

Narong Klaitararin

"Currently, Dr. Suphat is still considered qualified as an MP candidate for Songkhla Constituency 2."

ขณะนี้ ยังถือว่า นพ.สุภัทร ยังมีคุณสมบัติเป็นผู้สมัคร สส.สงขลา เขต 2 อยู่

Key Entities

Organization

Election Commission of Thailand (ECP)(กกต.)ℹ️

The Thai government body responsible for overseeing elections and candidate qualifications.

Bank of Thailand (BOT)(ธปท.)ℹ️

The central bank of Thailand, which is providing financial data to the ECP.

Ministry of Public Health(กระทรวงสาธารณสุข)ℹ️

The Thai government ministry responsible for health affairs, from which information on disciplinary action against Dr. Suphat is being sought.

Person

Dr. Suphat Hasuwannakit(นพ.สุภัทร ฮาสุวรรณกิจ)

A candidate for Member of Parliament in Songkhla Constituency 2 and former Director of Saba Yoi Hospital whose eligibility is under review.

Narong Klaitararin(นายณรงค์ กลั่นวารินทร์)

The President of the Election Commission of Thailand, who is overseeing the investigations.

Member of Parliament (MP)(สส.)ℹ️

Elected representatives in the Thai national legislature.

Place

Songkhla Constituency 2(สงขลา เขต 2)

The specific electoral district in Songkhla province for which Dr. Suphat is a candidate.

Saba Yoi Hospital(โรงพยาบาลสะบ้าย้อย)

The hospital where Dr. Suphat previously served as director, a matter relevant to his eligibility.