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Published on March 27, 2008

The Nation's Sathian Wiriyapanpongsa interviewed a former politician known as "Por Pla", who admitted he was the person Somchai Sawaengkarn had referred to, about allegedly offering a monthly allowance to senators in exchange for their votes in favour of a Senate-speaker candidate.

Por Pla, or Prasom Prakunsukjai, is the owner of a stationery business in Khon Kaen. His brother is Khon Kaen Senator Prasert Prakunsukjai.

What is the truth behind the allegation?

I heard that appointed Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn referred to a former politician known as Por Pla. I believe he was referring to me. I admit I called Somchai because he is a relative of Assadang Sawaengkarn, Puea Pandin Party's Khon Kaen candidate, which was my former constituency. I did not offer him anything. I just told him that if there was a chance, we should get together and talk.

Is there any truth in what Somchai has said?

I think Somchai misunderstood me. What I said could be interpreted differently by different people. I did not mean anything. I am innocent. I do not know what intention Somchai has in saying that. I think he may be wanting to create an anti-corruption image for himself since he is an activist in a civic group.

Since you are no long a senator, why did you make a phone call to a senator?

We were just talking about the political situation and I called many people, and many called me. As far as I know, all the groups of Prasobsuk Bundet, Thaweesak Kidbanchong, and even General Lertrat Rattanawanich and Pol Lt-General Manote Kraiwong tried to lobby for votes.

I told my brother that he should support Prasobsuk because he has a good image. I knew him when I helped Suwit Khunkitti at the Justice Ministry. If I had a chance, I would vote for him.

There were reports that you offered money to several senators to push for Prasert as deputy Senate speaker and another candidate as Senate speaker.

I have never thought of doing that. Why should I pay when my brother has not been endorsed? He asked the Election Commission when he would be endorsed, and he was told it would not be in time for the Senate-speaker vote, because many witnesses had to be questioned. It's not easy to offer money for lobbying. I'm a former MP. I know I have to be careful with what I say.

Are you maintaining that you did not lobby the position for Thaweesak?

I do not know Thaweesak personally but I know that he is one of the candidates. It is just a political game and some people want to leak false rumours to manipulate situations. I have been accused many times. I am fed up with politics. That is why I have not contested any election for 16 years.

 

People wonder when you are just a former MP and have nothing to do with the Senate speaker, why should you be putting up so much money for lobbying?

I have lots of friends, including senators. I work to contribute to society and the public. I have been a protest leader since 1989. I was the one who helped the famous activist Wanida Tantiwithayapitak, who passed away. When villagers can fight by themselves, I withdraw my support. But I help them with financial backing. I gave millions of baht for protesters against the Pak Moon Dam construction. When my brother won the senatorial seat, many called to congratulate me and I told them that I want Prosobsuk to become Senate speaker.

 

If the House committee summons you for questioning, will you turn up?

I will have to see under what conditions they invite me, but I'm ready to be investigated, because I have nothing to hide.

The Nation