Bangkok: Gen. Kriangkrai Srirak, the First Vice President of the Senate, expressed his lack of concern after the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) accepted a case of alleged collusion involving the Senate as a special case on money laundering charges. He believes this issue is primarily political in nature and is prepared to wait for clarification on the details before taking any action.
According to Thai News Agency, Gen. Kriangkrai stated in an interview following the Special Case Committee's decision to accept the case, that he is yet to review the specifics and wants to understand the evidence basis for the acceptance. He emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold and mentioned having a legal team ready to assist. He expressed confidence in his ability to address the allegations, noting the necessity for the affected senators to discuss the details once they are revealed.
Gen. Kriangkrai also responded to comments from Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, who expressed confidence in his ability to handle the situation. Gen. Kriangkrai reassured that while he is prepared to explain if necessary, he is currently unaware of who is being accused. He noted that no senators have been officially informed yet.
In response to inquiries about leaked lists of senators, Gen. Kriangkrai questioned the source of such leaks. He dismissed suggestions of an attempt to destabilize the legislature, indicating that he had only heard such notions from reporters. He remained unclear about the identity of any so-called "big boss" and indicated no immediate plans for a Senate meeting to address the issue, preferring to first identify which members are implicated.
Regarding a past request by the Senate to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to remove Minister of Justice Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong for alleged abuse of power, Gen. Kriangkrai noted the matter had been submitted some time ago.
Gen. Kriangkrai addressed the societal perception of the senators as victims, noting the importance of adhering to the law. He emphasized the need for a legal process to establish the truth, with each senator having access to legal advisors. He remarked on the inevitability of political influences, given the senators' political origins, but stressed his readiness to comply with the law and constitution.
Finally, Gen. Kriangkrai dismissed any suggestions that the acceptance of the case by the DSI indicated ulterior motives. He reiterated his belief in the political nature of the situation and emphasized his readiness to provide explanations and cooperate with the legal processes.