Bhumjaithai heavyweights to report to EC over Senate election collusion

The Election Commission (EC) has summoned Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, its de facto leader Newin Chidchob and several executive committee members to acknowledge charges of attempting to upend the democratic system and alleged involvement in Senate election collusion.

Anutin, also a deputy prime minister and interior minister, told the media today that he received the summons from the EC last week and will defend himself against the charges adding, however, that he needs to consult his lawyers first, because he is unfamiliar with such legal matters.

He said that Newin and several members of the party’s executive committee have also been summoned to acknowledge similar charges.

Asked by a reporter whether the charges levied against the key Bhumjaithai party members are politically motivated, Anutin shot back by asking the reporter, “Are you still unable to figure out whether this is politically motivated or not?”

Anutin insisted that the party had done nothing wrong, vis-à-vis the Senate elections, adding that the party cannot, however, stop other people accusing them.

In addition to Newin and Anutin, the other executive committee members summoned to the EC are Paradorn Prissananantakul, Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob, Ang Thong MP Koravee Prissananantakul, Thanet Timsuwan, Boonthida Somchai, Worasit Liangprasit and Siripong Angkasakulkiat.

Asked to comment on the rumours of an imminent cabinet reshuffle, with the prospect that the Pheu Thai party will demand the interior portfolio from Bhumjaithai party, he said that the issue has not yet been discussed between the prime minister and leaders of the coalition parties.