Palang Pracharath Leader Takes Legal Action Against TV Host and Political Opponent Over Controversial Leaks
PUBLISHED: 18 Sep 2024 at 18:52
The leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, is moving forward with a lawsuit against TV host Danai Ekmahasawat and former Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit over the release of allegedly incriminating voice recordings.
Palang Pracharath’s secretary-general Paiboon Nititawan confirmed on Wednesday that legal complaints will be filed with Hua Mak police, accusing the duo of wiretapping or distributing material obtained through illegal means. This offense may result in a maximum of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 500,000 baht.
The recordings reportedly include a conversation between Gen Prawit and Suttipong Juljarern, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and are suspected to have been acquired through unlawful wiretapping.
The audio was one of four clips broadcast on September 11 during an episode of Inside Thailand, with Mr. Prompong replaying it the following day as he sought an ethics review against Gen Prawit from anti-corruption authorities.
Paiboon expressed that Gen Prawit is fully committed to pursuing the legal case against both individuals.
Attendance Concerns Raised
In a related development, Prompong has continued his campaign against Gen Prawit, urging the House of Representatives to review whether he is adequately fulfilling his responsibilities as an MP.
He emphasized that under the 2017 constitution, MPs must serve with integrity and are not permitted to miss more than a quarter of meeting days without consent from the House Speaker, or risk losing their MP status.
Prompong has formally requested House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha to evaluate Gen Prawit’s attendance, questioning his commitment to his duties.
“Gen Prawit is seldom seen in House meetings, which raises doubts about his dedication to his role as mandated by the constitution and ethical standards,” he stated.
He also sought documentation regarding Gen Prawit’s absences and related salary records, insisting that his inquiries are not politically motivated.
In response to potential legal repercussions related to the audio, Prompong maintained that he is exercising his right as a concerned citizen and challenged Palang Pracharath to identify which recordings are altered and which are authentic, dismissing the party’s claims of falsity. He regarded the lawsuits as an attempt to suppress criticism.
At 79, Gen Prawit’s infrequent attendance at Parliament sessions has often been attributed to health issues.
MPs receive a monthly compensation of 113,560 baht along with substantial medical and pension benefits, alongside allowances for active committee participation.
Like fellow coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha, Gen Prawit resides in complimentary housing at the 1st Infantry Regiment in Phaya Thai, Bangkok, where he chairs the Five Border Provinces Forest Preservation Foundation, a military-affiliated organization.
When questioned about his regular absences from parliamentary duties, he suggested that those wishing to speak with him should visit his office at the foundation.
