Lawyer Aun Buriram exposed a 2 billion baht bid-rigging scandal in the Rice Department, reinforcing the validity of the bribery case involving a singer. He hesitated when pressed by reporters about the Glatham Party's ability to manage the Agriculture Ministry but firmly stated he is not affiliated with any political party.
18 Feb 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Phattharaphong Suphaksorn, also known as Lawyer Aun Buriram, held a press conference at the Election Commission office. At one point, he discussed the current division of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry seats, questioning why politicians who have only worked in air-conditioned offices now scramble for the Agriculture Ministry. He wondered if they were competing to boost agricultural product prices or because the ministry controls vast resources. A concerned citizen sent him information about the Rice Department, revealing five TOR (Terms of Reference) documents worth nearly 2 billion baht. In 2024, there was a project to enhance rice production efficiency for farmers affected by floods in the South during 2024–2025, raising suspicions about possible specification locking.
Phattharaphong further revealed that the issue began with leaked Line chat messages between Rice Department officials and representatives of a private company. The messages instructed the company representative to arrange for 4-5 private companies to participate in the electronic bidding for the rice production efficiency project for flood-affected southern farmers. However, the truth was that bidding documents were instead prepared in a hospital, with clear photographic evidence. This matter has already been reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), leading to known extortion incidents.
When asked if this constituted bid-rigging, Phattharaphong confirmed it was definitely collusion. The proposed bid price was 2.4 million baht below the benchmark. Regarding whether the Bhumjaithai Party, a leading coalition party, could solve this problem, he said he did not know but personally did not trust Bhumjaithai's ability. When asked which political group caused these problems, Lawyer Aun replied he did not know, but the incidents occurred during 2024–2025.
Pressed on whether the Glatham Party, which previously managed the Agriculture Ministry, failed to resolve these issues, Phattharaphong hesitated before responding, "If you put it that way, maybe yes." He urged Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao to review the ministry again, pointing out ongoing questionable behaviors. When asked where these issues might ultimately end, he paused before saying he did not trust the process but would monitor the new minister, hoping for problem resolution. He described it as brazen for officials to just accept and settle matters like this.
When questioned about who was responsible, Lawyer Aun said it involved officials, though he did not know if former directors were complicit. He pointed to a photo of an official identified as a secretary, unsure if the director was aware. Regarding whether former ministers might be implicated, Phattharaphong declined to answer but noted he had information and hoped the individuals would come forward to disclose it.
When asked if he minded if the Bhumjaithai Party secured ministerial posts, Phattharaphong said he had continuously monitored Bhumjaithai and was uneasy about their news coverage. He stated that whenever he saw news about managing ministries, bureaus, or departments, he had to investigate regardless of the party. He emphasized his role as a citizen and that he spends his own money to engage politically, stressing that he is not a lackey or subordinate to any political party.