Public outrage after People’s Party member arrested in drug trafficking
Pressure mounts on party to clean house after repeated misconduct
The People’s Party issued a public apology after one of its members, a candidate in the upcoming Samut Prakan Municipal Council election, was arrested for drug trafficking along with three other suspects yesterday, May 7.
Officers from Min Buri Police Station carried out a crackdown on a drug trafficking gang known as Boon Raksa. Four suspects were apprehended, and a large quantity of narcotics was seized, including 480,000 methamphetamine (Yaba) pills, 1,089 grammes of crystal meth, and 1,000 grammes of ketamine.
The suspects were identified as 27 year old Apiwat, 36 year old Panupong, 34 year old Sarayut, and 33 year old Suthee. Panupong was reportedly standing as a candidate for the Samut Prakan municipal council election under the People’s Party.
All four were charged with jointly distributing narcotics classified as Categories 1 and 2. Under the Narcotics Act, they face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to two million baht.
A Facebook page titled วันนี้พรรคส้มโกหกอะไร (translating as “What did the Orange Party lie about today?”) later shared the news, attracting significant public attention.
Public criticism prompted the official Facebook page of the People’s Party in Samut Prakan to release a statement of apology.
The party acknowledged the gravity of the charges and announced that Panupong must withdraw from the election to allow the legal process to proceed.
However, the People’s Party has not yet expelled Panupong. According to the statement, he will lose his party membership only if found guilty in court.
Despite the party’s response, concerns were raised on social media regarding the vetting process for candidates, with calls for party leader Natthaphong “Teng” Ruengpanyawut to take further responsibility.
Nonetheless, some party supporters expressed appreciation for the party’s transparency and willingness to acknowledge its mistakes.
This is not the first scandal to tarnish the party’s image. Former party MP Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit allegedly committed sexual assault on two occasions, while another former member, Nateepat Kulsetthasith, was previously caught for drink driving.
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