PPRP ‘not shaken’ by EC’s cash handout investigation

The pro-regime Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) is unmoved by news that the Election Commission plans to investigate accusations that the government is buying votes with its latest massive cash handouts to lowincome people.

EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong said on Thursday investigators will look into whether the government’s cash handout is an act of vote-canvassing ahead of the election.

Palang Pracharath leader Uttama Savanayana, who also serves as Industry Minister, yesterday said the party would not be perturbed if the EC wants to investigate.

“It’s not a problem because I am confident the cash handout is intended to help low-income earners, the elderly and retirees,” said Mr Uttama.

The other three executives of the Palang Pracharath are also ministers in the militaryappointed government.

The cabinet on Tuesday approved a massive cash splurge, amounting to 86.9 billion baht. The cash is designated to be given to poor and needy people under the government’s welfare scheme.

The cash splurge, however, has turned out to have the effect of undermining the image of the military government.

Critics from various sides lambasted the financial handout package, saying the government is using people’s tax money to buy votes for the upcoming general election.