Party official states leader has offered to return previously paid funds
PUBLISHED: 1 Oct 2024 at 17:54
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, will forgo his salary and allowances as a Member of Parliament (MP) due to his frequent absences from parliamentary sessions, as stated by the party’s secretary-general.
According to Paiboon Nititawan, Gen Prawit has formally notified the House secretary-general of his decision to decline his salary and allowances starting October 1. Furthermore, he has requested a summary of his accrued salary and allowances in order to return the funds.
“This decision is intended to set a standard for MPs with significant responsibilities who may need to take frequent leaves from parliament,” Paiboon said.
Gen Prawit has also submitted another request for leave from parliament, but he has assured that he will increase his attendance in the future, as mentioned by the party secretary-general.
This action comes amidst growing complaints regarding Gen Prawit’s attendance record, prompting House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha to approve an investigation into the potential ethical implications of his absences, following a push from Prompong Nopparit, a former spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party.
Reports indicate that Gen Prawit has participated in only 11 parliamentary sessions since July 3 of last year. At 79 years old, the retired general has been largely absent from House meetings, citing health concerns and other duties.
MPs in Thailand receive a monthly salary of 113,560 baht, along with extensive medical, pension, and welfare benefits. Additional allowances for meetings and committee work can significantly increase their earnings.
Similar to his counterpart, former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Gen Prawit resides in free accommodation at the 1st Infantry Regiment in Bangkok, where he conducts most of his political activities.
