Prayut’s party not behind Chuwit’s attacks on Bhumjaithai: PM’s aide

PM’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana was responding to accusations levelled by Bhumjaithai that UTN was behind Chuwit’s moves.

Prayut is UTN’s sole prime minister candidate for the upcoming election.

Bhumjaithai had complained after UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga stepped forward to receive several complaints from Chuwit about Bhumjaithai.

Thanakorn argued that Pirapan was simply doing his duty as the PM’s secretary-general by receiving the complaints on behalf of the prime minister.

“It is the direct responsibility of the PM’s secretary-general to receive complaints addressed to the prime minister. He must receive all complaints without bias,” Thanakorn said.

Chuwit stepped up his attacks on Bhumjaithai last week, claiming the party’s policy to decriminalise cannabis had led to widespread recreational use of the drug by Thai youths. The whistleblower also alleged corruption in the Orange Line railway project under the control of Bhumjaithai’s Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob.

“Please be fair to UTN,” Thanakorn said. “The party is not behind Chuwit’s campaigns. He acted alone and we are not involved in any issue of his campaigns.”

He said that Chuwit has also criticised Prayut on several issues, but the prime minister chose to remain silent rather than responding in public.

Thanakorn said several issues raised by Chuwit were in the public interest, so the government had to heed his complaints.

He added that Prayut still retained good ties with Bhumjaithai leader and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.