House Committee to Question Minister on Bribery Allegations
Thailand’s House Committee is set to summon Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob and key agencies over a 40 million baht bribery claim linked to online crime.
Minister Chaichanok Chidchob at Centre of Bribery Storm
The committee, chaired by Siam Hathasongkroh, will meet tomorrow to investigate Chaichanok’s explosive allegation. Last week, during the government’s policy statement, Chaichanok revealed that an MP approached him with an offer of 40 million baht per month to ignore crackdowns on call centre scams, online fraud, and illegal gambling sites.
Siam stresses the gravity of the situation. “The minister is obliged to pursue legal action against those involved,” he insists.
Cybercrime Losses Soar Amid Policy Uncertainty
The committee voices alarm over Thailand’s rising cybercrime losses, which now exceed 90 million baht daily—adding up to at least one billion baht each month. Siam warns that without decisive government action, the economic toll could escalate.
He recalls the previous administration’s success in curbing scam-related losses, saying, “If this government lacks genuine intent to address the problem, cybercriminal groups will return and harm the Thai economy again.”
Committee Demands Answers on Cybercrime Strategy
The House Committee plans to press the ministry for details on its cybercrime suppression strategy. Siam notes that under Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government prioritised tackling online scams, saving the public tens of billions of baht each year.
The main keyword, “bribery,” remains central to the committee’s inquiry, as members seek clarity on the government’s next steps.
Separate Bribery Arrest Rocks Local Government
In a related development, Nonthaburi’s New Bang Bua Thong Municipality Public Works Division director faces arrest for allegedly accepting a 100,000 baht bribe in exchange for a building permit. The 48-year-old official denies wrongdoing, claiming the funds were for hiring external engineers and architects.
As both cases unfold, public scrutiny intensifies over Thailand’s efforts to stamp out corruption and cybercrime.
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