Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has found Chaitip, a candidate for the Kla Tham Party in Ratchaburi Province, guilty of serious ethical violations for gambling within the Parliament building. The case is set to be sent to the Supreme Court for a final judgment.
According to Thai News Agency, the NACC committee ruled last week that Mr. Chaitip Kamolpantip, a former Member of Parliament from the Palang Pracharath Party, was guilty of illegally gambling for monetary gain within his office as an MP. This action is considered a serious violation of ethical standards.
Witnesses testified that on January 11, 2023, they observed Mr. Chaitip and three others engaging in a card game at a table with chips in room 5083 of the Parliament building. This occurred during official working hours. The testimony of the witnesses was supported by video evidence, confirming Mr. Chaitip's participation in the card game.
Further reports indicated that Mr. Chaitip and his associates played cards between 1:35 PM and 4:00 PM on the specified date, using chips as a substitute for money. The setup of the table and the presence of chips suggested the gaming activity was for monetary gain, as outlined by the Gambling Act, Section 5.
Although Mr. Chaitip admitted to participating in the card game, he denied that any property was wagered. However, the NACC determined his actions violated ethical standards, laws, and good morals, failing to uphold the dignity of the MP's position. The actions were deemed a serious breach of ethical standards under Articles 12, 17, and 27.
Mr. Chaitip claimed his resignation as a Member of Parliament, effective March 2, 2023, exempted him from ethical scrutiny. However, the NACC maintains that, as a political office holder at the time of the incident, he remains subject to ethical standards enforcement. The case has been referred to the Supreme Court for a ruling under Section 87 of the NACC Act.
Mr. Chaitip, previously a two-term MP for Ratchaburi, is now running as a candidate for Ratchaburi Constituency 5 under the Kla Tham Party in the upcoming February 8th election.