Peerapun criticized the Election Commission (EC) for double standards, pointing out that they have not investigated the suspicious 450 million baht cash withdrawals after summoning CK Zheng to clarify the 2,000 baht vote-buying allegation. He urged them not to use the excuse of lacking a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bank of Thailand (BOT), emphasizing that the EC does have authority.
On 6 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Peerapun Saleerutwipak, leader of the United Thai Nation Party (UTNP), spoke about the Election Commission summoning the well-known content creator CK Zheng regarding the claim of vote-buying for 2,000 baht. He questioned the EC’s standards when compared to the irregular cash withdrawals totaling 450 million baht during the election campaign period, which have yet to be investigated. Previously, the Governor of the Bank of Thailand publicly revealed that commercial banks recorded unusual cash withdrawals amounting to approximately 450 million baht during the election campaign.
Having been in politics for over 30 years, he said he had never seen such a case. Even without elections, withdrawing cash on this scale is abnormal. Given that this happened during an election period, it raises questions about where such a large amount of cash went and for what purpose. Investigating this matter should not be difficult since it involves commercial banks, and the Governor of the Bank of Thailand himself made the disclosure.
Claiming bruised ribs and no MOU with BOT, yet investigating the 2,000 baht case
Mr. Peerapun further questioned why the Election Commission chooses to investigate the 2,000 baht vote-buying case but does not examine the 450 million baht cash withdrawals, citing the lack of an MOU with the Bank of Thailand. He stressed that the EC’s duties and powers, as defined by the Constitution and election-related laws, clearly state that if suspicious activities potentially affecting election fairness arise, the EC must investigate, supported by its office. Neglecting this duty could constitute dereliction under Criminal Code Section 157. He recalled having previously warned certain EC members about unlawful election regulations, which were ignored until courts later issued prison sentences. Many people have asked whether CK Zheng is guilty, and he said the answer depends on investigation and evidence. However, when compared to the 450 million baht cash case, which has the Bank of Thailand Governor as a key witness yet remains uninvestigated, it raises public doubts about whether the EC is acting fairly and independently. He highlighted this stark contrast as abnormal and possibly linked to influential groups, calling on all relevant agencies to perform their duties honestly, lawfully, and to uphold election integrity.