More MPs cited for proxy vote

The Future Forward Party (FFP) has accused two more coalition MPs of proxy voting as a former Democrat Party MP questioned why another government MP accused of voting irregularities was excluded from the petition to the Constitutional Court in the proxy voting case.

FFP MP Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat said the party has a video clip showing Thanikan Pornpongsaroj, a Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) MP, appearing at the Institute of Academic Development at 1.42pm on Aug 8 last year. Her vote was registered during the House’s deliberation of a bill at 1.41pm on that day.

Mr Nattacha also said there was evidence that Kowit Phuang-ngam, a list

MP of the Thai Local Power Party MP, inserted three voting cards into a voting machine during the House’s deliberation of the 2020 budget bill.

Mr Nattacha said the FFP has proposed an urgent motion calling on the House to set up a special committee to look into the alleged proxy voting and come up with measures to punish those involved.

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court accepted a request filed by House Speaker Chuan Leekpai asking it to rule on the validity of the 2020 budget bill after it was revealed that some coalition lawmakers voted for it without being present in the chamber.

The court took up the issue after 109 coalition MPs and 84 opposition MPs asked it to clear all doubts surrounding the bill’s legality.

Questions were raised on the legality of the bill after Nipit Intarasombat, a former Democrat MP, alleged on Jan 20 that two Bhumjaithai MPs — Chalong Therdwiraong and Natee Ratchakitprakarn — voted to pass the bill without being present in the House on Jan 10-11.

Mr Chalong later admitted he was at a funeral in Phatthalung when his vote was cast, saying he had accidentally left his electronic voting card behind.

Mr Nipit also said Ms Natee’s vote for the bill was cast when she was already on her way to China.

A video aired on Channel 7 showed Prim Pooncharoen, of the PPRP, and Somboon Zarum of the Bhumjaithai Party inserting more than one card in the voting machine.