22-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Senators in Thailand are grappling with a challenging decision regarding their support for Srettha Thavisin’s bid for prime minister, as they acknowledge the weight of tax avoidance allegations against him. This pivotal vote is scheduled for Tuesday.
Senator Seri Suwannapanont, who chairs the Senate standing committee on political development and public participation, disclosed on Monday that the committee is actively reviewing a complaint filed by political activist and former senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana against Mr. Srettha, the chosen prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai Party.
As the review process intensifies, growing concerns are being raised regarding Mr. Srettha’s suitability for the role of prime minister. The impending vote on his premiership, set for Tuesday, has prompted some senators to openly express reservations about his candidacy.
The controversy surrounding Mr. Srettha was ignited by whistleblower Chuvit Kamolvisit, who alleged unethical business practices, including land deals, during Mr. Srettha’s tenure as the CEO of real estate developer Sansiri.
Mr. Srettha has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that both he and Sansiri consistently adhered to ethical business practices.
Sansiri Plc, in response to the allegations, has denied employing a housekeeper and three male security guards to hold proxy shares in a shell company, which was allegedly established to conceal the purchase of a 1.1-billion-baht plot of land in Bangkok’s Thong Lor area in 2016.
Beyond the allegations of unethical business practices, some senators have expressed concerns about Mr. Srettha’s candidacy in light of Pheu Thai’s pledge to prioritize amending the constitution once it assumes government leadership.
On Monday, Senator Seri Suwannapanont emphasized that the allegations against Mr. Srettha would undoubtedly influence senators’ decisions when they cast their votes for prime minister on Tuesday. He added that they would consider Mr. Srettha’s conduct, qualifications, and integrity.
Senator Seri acknowledged that fellow senators held diverse opinions regarding Mr. Srettha, making the outcome of the vote uncertain.
He also highlighted senators’ apprehensions about Pheu Thai’s stance on charter amendment, particularly their proposal for electing members of a new constitution-rewriting assembly. Senator Seri voiced concerns that this approach could lead to political party-backed individuals securing positions within the assembly, potentially impacting the rewriting of chapters governing the country’s fundamental institutions and national security.
Regarding his own stance, Senator Seri admitted he had not yet made up his mind on whether he would support Mr. Srettha’s candidacy. He advised Mr. Srettha to attend parliament to present his vision and counter the allegations against him before the vote, even though, as a non-MP, Mr. Srettha is not obligated to participate in the session.
Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha stated that he would not vote in favor of Mr. Srettha as prime minister due to concerns about his ethics. He predicted that Mr. Srettha would not secure the premiership.
However, Senator Kittisak suggested that he might consider voting for Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, the head of the Pheu Thai Family and one of the party’s two remaining prime ministerial candidates. Nevertheless, Ms. Paetongtarn would also undergo scrutiny by the Senate.
Another senator, Direkrit Jenklongtham, called on Mr. Srettha and Pheu Thai to provide clarification regarding the allegations and clarify their position on charter amendments, so senators could have a clearer understanding of the proposed changes for the country.
Meanwhile, Senator Wanchai Sornsiri expressed confidence that approximately 190 senators would support Mr. Srettha. He anticipated that Mr. Srettha would secure parliamentary approval for the prime ministerial position on Tuesday, as most senators are eager to see the country move forward.
Senator Wanchai’s projection was based on discussions with fellow senators over the weekend, indicating a majority of around 190 senators would endorse Mr. Srettha as the country’s next prime minister.
“They want the country to move forward,” he emphasized.
