Bangkok: Prasert Chantararuangthong, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has firmly stated that he was never offered a 40 million baht bribe during his two years in office. He expressed that the 30 days requested by his successor, Chaichanok Chidchob, to investigate the matter seemed excessive.
According to Thai News Agency, the controversy arose when Chaichanok, the new Minister of Digital Economy and Society, disclosed in Parliament that a bribe was proposed to dismantle a call center operation associated with an individual named "Ben Smith." Prasert emphasized that no such matter was ever discussed with him during his tenure. He noted that Chaichanok, who had only recently taken on the ministerial role, had already been approached with offers.
Prasert criticized the 30-day investigation timeline promised by Chaichanok, arguing that it should take less time to uncover the facts given the proximity of the involved individuals. He mentioned that he could easily summon those who had shared the information and pursue legal actions against the perpetrators. Prasert highlighted that two MPs from the Bhumjaithai Party and an MP's assistant were reportedly involved in providing information to Chaichanok, and the source of the issue was straightforward to trace.
In response to inquiries about "Ben Smith," Prasert confirmed that no information about this individual was brought to his attention during his time as minister. He stated his commitment to following legal protocols and invited Rangsiman Rome to share any pertinent information to aid the investigation.