MP Rangsiman asks police to seize PM Prayut’s party HQ
The Ruam Thai Sang Chart political party headquarters is at the centre of a controversy with the Move Forward Party urging police to take action and seize the Bangkok building. Opponent Rangsiman Rome, a Move Forward Party MP, alleges a senator who owns the building is a money-laundering suspect.
MP Rangsiman called on the police chief to follow standard legal procedures and not give preferential treatment to the political party. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is currently seeking to be elected to a dubiously constitutional third term as a candidate under the Ruam Thai Sang Chart party in the upcoming general election.
Rangsiman emphasized that police are legally obligated to seize assets owned by those suspected of money laundering and other crimes, even if they are part of a powerful political party. He said the building in the Soi Ari Phaholyothin area should be confiscated. However, he expressed doubt that the police chief will take action against Prayut and his supporting party.
According to reports, Senator Upakit Pajariyangkun bought the building in question for 101 million baht and then rented it out to the political party. Upakit faces allegations of engaging in unlawful acts such as drug trafficking and money laundering with Tun Min Latt, an arms dealer from Myanmar. Despite an initial arrest warrant, a court later retracted it as lawmakers have legal immunity from police arrest during legislative periods
Rangsiman urged the police chief to issue an arrest warrant for the senator once the current parliamentary term ends on February 28. Upakit has taken legal action against Rangsiman for defamation after the MP made accusations of money laundering and drug trafficking.
According to Rangsiman, the police superintendent responsible for investigating the case was swiftly transferred to protect Prayut and his party. The MP has pledged to provide evidence to the National Anti-Corruption Commission implicating the senator and other suspects involved in the money laundering and drug trafficking operation.
