The Pheu Thai Party are urging Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob to take swift action against those he claims offered him 40 million baht a month to look the other way on online crime.
In parliament on the second day of the joint sitting, as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government delivered its policy statement, Mr Chaichanok acknowledged his lack of political experience but vowed to take decisive action in tackling cybercrime.
During the debate, Pheu Thai MP Korkaew Pikulthong raised questions over the appointment of ministers linked to the Bhumjaithai Party’s (BJT) Buri Ram power base.
He argued that some lacked expertise, while others had tainted records, citing a corruption scandal in the Transport Ministry in 2011. Mr Korkaew further criticised the resurgence of call centre scams, which he claimed had been curbed under the previous Pheu Thai-led government.
In response, Mr Chaichanok recounted that shortly before taking office, he was contacted through a member of parliament by individuals who offered him 40 million baht per month in exchange for not pursuing action against call centre syndicates, online scammers and illegal websites.
The remarks quickly drew political fire. Danuporn Punnakanta, a Pheu Thai Party-list MP and party spokesman warned that if Mr Chaichanok failed to act, he could be accused of dereliction of duty.
“You started with bold claims, but if you let this go, people will see you as a minister who talks tough but delivers nothing,” he said.