Gen. Rangsi Exposes 5,000 Baht Vote Buying, Defends Party List Strategy

Thairath•Politics•265d ago

Reader Briefing

General Rangsi alleges widespread vote buying at 5,000 baht per person, linking it to illicit businesses and defending his party list placement as strategic.

•General Rangsi Kittiyan Chapsopone claims vote buying is rampant across Thailand, costing 5,000 baht per voter.
•He estimates the total vote-buying expenditure to be over 12.5 billion baht, possibly funded by grey businesses or scammers.
•General Rangsi explained his party list position as a strategic division of labor within the Economy Party to ensure policy implementation.

Overview

•On January 30, 2026, Gen. Rangsi Kittiyan Chapsopone, a Prime Ministerial candidate and leader of the Economy Party, revealed concerns about the election.
•Gen. Rangsi warned that vote buying, reportedly at 5,000 baht per person, is widespread nationwide.
•The estimated funds circulating for vote buying are projected to exceed 12.5 billion baht, potentially sourced from grey businesses or scammers.
•Gen. Rangsi stated that a portion of the payment (2,000 baht) is advanced, with ID cards retained, and the remaining 3,000 baht paid before election day.
•Gen. Rangsi stressed that accepting money from corrupt individuals will lead the country to disaster and urged citizens to vote based on clear policies.
•Gen. Rangsi addressed remarks by Mr. Panthhep Pua-phongphan regarding the Economy Party's power structure and Gen. Rangsi's party list number.
•Gen. Rangsi explained his party list position at number 10 is a strategic decision to divide responsibilities, with his focus on mega-projects and reducing public expenses.
•Gen. Rangsi asserted that the party's operational structure is democratic, emphasizing decentralized power to avoid the fragmentation seen in other parties.

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Source: Thairath (Original)

Key Quotes

Gen. Rangsi Kittiyan Chapsopone

"“If calculated from the target of 250 parliamentary seats, it is estimated that over 12.5 billion baht will be circulated. I want to warn the public to be aware; if you accept money from corrupt individuals, the country will face disaster.”"

“ถ้าคำนวณจากเป้าหมายที่ต้องการเสียงในสภา 250 เสียง คาดว่าจะมีเงินสะพัดกว่า 12,500 ล้านบาท ผมจึงอยากฝากเตือนประชาชนให้ตื่นรู้ หากรับเงินจากคนโกง ประเทศจะเข้าสู่หายนะ”

Gen. Rangsi Kittiyan Chapsopone

"“I work in politics like a new generation; it's unnecessary for the party leader to monopolize the top spot or hold all power. We have seen parties where the leader had absolute power eventually break apart.”"

“ผมทำงานการเมืองแบบคนรุ่นใหม่ ไม่จำเป็นที่หัวหน้าพรรคต้องผูกขาดเป็นเบอร์ 1 หรือรวบอำนาจไว้คนเดียว ที่ผ่านมาเราเห็นแล้วว่าพรรคที่หัวหน้ามีอำนาจเบ็ดเสร็จสุดท้ายก็พรรคแตก”

Key Entities

Person

Gen. Rangsi Kittiyan Chapsopone(พล.อ.รังษี กิตติญาณทรัพย์)

Prime Ministerial candidate and leader of the Economy Party, who is actively campaigning and making public statements about election integrity and party strategy.

Mr. Panthhep Pua-phongphan(นายปานเทพ พัวพงษ์พันธ์)

Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, who made observations about the Economy Party's leadership and Gen. Rangsi's party list placement.

Mr. Chris Potranan(นายคริส โปตระนันท์)

Party leader of the Economy Party, mentioned in the context of decision-making authority within the party.

Organization

Economy Party(พรรคเศรษฐกิจ)

A political party fielding candidates for the general election, led by Gen. Rangsi Kittiyan Chapsopone, whose internal structure and strategy are being discussed.

Rangsit University(มหาวิทยาลัยรังสิต)

The academic institution where Mr. Panthhep Pua-phongphan serves as Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine.