Sirichok Urges EC to Probe Bhumjaithai's Donations
Sirichok calls for an investigation into Suchada Sangtantrakul's 150,000 baht donation to the Bhumjaithai Party amid asset scrutiny.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Sirichok demands a probe into 150,000 baht donated to Bhumjaithai
- Suchada and her husband declare assets nearing 2 billion baht
- NACC is conducting an in-depth investigation into their wealth
- Illegal party donations can legally lead to party dissolution
Political circles are focusing once again on party donation records after financial irregularities emerged regarding a total of 150,000 baht donated to the Bhumjaithai Party. The donor has been identified as Suchada Sangtantrakul, a Member of Parliament, who made continuous contributions according to reports submitted to the Election Commission of Thailand.
Transaction details show that prior to becoming an MP, Suchada donated 10,000 baht per month before increasing the amount to 30,000 baht monthly after entering parliament. However, this 150,000 baht figure represents only officially disclosed donations and does not cover potential support provided through other channels.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Before entering politics as an MP, Suchada was appointed to executive positions three times, serving as an assistant secretary and secretary to government ministers during administrations where the Bhumjaithai Party participated. Questions have been raised regarding her expertise, achievements, and the individuals who nominated her for these roles.
On the financial front, asset and debt disclosure statements submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission by Suchada and her spouse, Taiyang Zhang, revealed a combined wealth of nearly 2 billion baht. This massive figure raised public skepticism as it starkly contrasted with their declared annual income.
Previously disclosed assets include co-ownership of ultra-luxury condominium units at Sindhorn Lumpini, with both Suchada and Taiyang declaring rights valued at 37.514 million baht each, totaling 75.028 million baht for that property alone. Additionally, the couple registered a luxury Mercedes-Maybach valued at 11.3 million baht.
Tracing the financial trails of politicians and high-ranking officials remains vital for democratic transparency. When billions in assets clash with modest stated incomes, rigorous oversight mechanisms by anti-corruption bodies are essential to determine whether such wealth links to illicit businesses or prohibited funding sources.
While Suchada reported an annual income of only about 1.7 million baht, her husband Taiyang stated in his NACC asset declaration that he had no occupation and earned zero annual income, despite operating as a cryptocurrency investor and holding shares in the online casino platform Shuffle.com.
This glaring discrepancy between declared income and enormous assets has prompted the NACC to launch an in-depth investigation into the origin of the family's wealth, income sources, and debt-servicing capabilities to clarify how such vast fortunes were accumulated.
The situation has inevitably drawn scrutiny toward political party regulations. Section 72 of the Organic Act on Political Parties of 2017 strictly prohibits parties and party executives from accepting donations if they know or should have known that the funds originated unlawfully or if there is reasonable suspicion regarding their legality.
"If the donations are found to originate from prohibited sources and the party is proven to have violated the law, the repercussions may not stop at the individual level, but could directly impact the status of the Bhumjaithai Party itself."
Sirichok
Furthermore, Section 74 bans donations from stateless individuals, foreign legal entities, or prohibited categories, while Section 77 empowers the Election Commission to verify donation accuracy. Section 92(3) dictates that parties violating Section 72 or 74 risk dissolution by the Constitutional Court.
A critical question remains: while the NACC investigates the family's asset origins, has the Election Commission audited the source of funds donated to Bhumjaithai? Any legal breach could destabilize the party, explaining why distancing themselves from the donor is not a simple task.
Source: Matichon Politics
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