Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has flatly denied opposition MPs’ allegations that he received ill-gotten gains from illegal gambling dens.
Responding to the accusation, made during the censure debate today (Tuesday) by Seri Ruam Thai party leader Pol Gen Seripisut Temiyavet, the prime minister told parliament that he has never received a single baht in bribes from any illegal gambling den.
Rather, he said he dislikes gambling and has instructed the police and local administration officials to crack down on illegal gambling, adding that several police officers, including 51 commanders and deputy commanders, have been transferred and placed under disciplinary investigation for their failure to stamp out illegal gambling in their areas of jurisdiction.
During the debate, Seripisut was warned several times by Deputy House Speaker Supachai Pothisu not to keep repeating his claims of success in stamping out illegal gambling dens while he was the national police chief.
The Seri Ruam Thai party leader also alleged that the Palang Pracharat party has been paying its MPs about 200,000 baht per month, in addition to their salaries from parliament.
The allegation prompted protests from Sira Jenjakha and Pareena Kraikupt, both MPs from the Palang Pracharat party.
