FFP scoops up B17m in donations

The dissolved Future Forward Party (FFP) received public donations worth over 17 million baht — more than any other party — during the first two months of 2020, according to figures released by the Election Commission (EC) yesterday.

The EC’s website released information regarding total public donations received by 11 parties between January and February.

In January, the FFP, which was dissolved on Feb 21 by the Constitutional Court over a 191.2-million-baht loan it took from former party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, received more than 13.8 million baht in donations. Of the amount, 10 million baht was donated by Mr Thanathorn’s wife, Rawiphan, on Jan 13.

Other parties, such as the Democrat Party obtained 1.5 million baht in donations while the Chartthaipattana Party received 2.1 million baht. Others included the Prachachat Party (225,000 baht) and the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (10,000 baht).

In February, a total of 11 parties received donations. The FFP received 4,035,000 baht from which 3.2 million baht was donated by Mr Thanathorn’s younger brother Bordinthorn on Feb 11. The Democrat Party received 1,318,000 baht and the Prachachat Party received 280,000 baht.

According to the EC, the FFP’s donations were deemed to be party income and after the party was dissolved, the FFP sent its financial statements, including the donations and other documents to the EC on March 20.

After completing the liquidation process, the EC will consider which assets will be given to the Mirror Foundation, which was mentioned as a beneficiary in the party’s regulations.

Money, assets or other benefits which the party is found to have received in violation of the organic law on political parties will be transferred to the fund for Development of Political Parties, the source said.