Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to indict Jirapong Songwatcharaporn, a prospective candidate for the Pheu Thai Party, for serious ethical violations related to land ownership while serving as a member of the House of Representatives. Mr. Surapong Intharathaworn, Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson of the NACC, announced that the charges pertain to Jirapong’s acquisition and use of land in a designated land reform area in Nong Bon Subdistrict, Bo Rai District, Trat Province, which encompasses approximately 49-1-59 rai.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation revealed that Jirapong continued to hold and exploit the land for agricultural purposes, specifically rubber tree cultivation, despite the expiration of his eligibility under the Agricultural Land Reform Act. This infraction occurred after Jirapong assumed his position as an MP on May 25, 2019, following the enactment of the 2018 Code of Ethics for Constitutional Court Judges and Independent Organization Positions. The code stipulates that individuals in such positions should not possess land in reform areas if they do not primarily work in agriculture and have sufficient income from other sources.
Jirapong’s failure to inform the Land Reform Office (ALRO) of his ineligibility or return the land to the Agricultural Land Reform Office violated ethical standards. His actions were seen as an attempt to avoid the land being reallocated to eligible farmers, thereby constituting improper personal gain and damaging his position as an MP.
The NACC’s resolution finds Jirapong in serious violation of ethical standards as outlined in the 2018 Ethical Standards for Constitutional Court Judges and Persons Holding Positions in Independent Organizations, including various sections of the code. The NACC will submit the case to the Supreme Court for further consideration.
Reporters noted that Jirapong recently participated in a gathering of Bang Sri Muang village health volunteers, alongside Pheu Thai Party members and former Minister of Public Health Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, to announce his candidacy for the Nonthaburi Constituency 2 seat at Wat Salak Tai, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province.