The Move Forward Party (MFP) has confirmed that its MP candidate for the by-election in Rayong Province remains qualified for the election after he was accused of tax evasion and embezzlement.

On 29 August 2023, MP Rangsiman Rome, the MFP’s spokesperson, and MP Pongsathon Sornphetnarin, an MP candidate in the by-election for Constituency 3 in Rayong Province, held a press conference to address allegations of tax evasion and embezzlement.

Rangsiman stated that Pongsathon has been employed with a monthly income of approximately 15,000 Baht as a specialist to MP Benja Saengchan since 2019. Each year, he earned less than 180,000 Baht, below the taxable threshold. Over the past three years, he has not filed tax returns even though he paid withholding taxes. Pongsathon did submit documents showing that his income was below the taxable limit.

The spokesperson also addressed other allegations against Pongsathon, including his involvement in an alcohol business and embezzlement.

Regarding Pongsathon’s alcoholic beverage business, Rangsiman explained that Pongsathon had been running it with a partner and it had only just recently produced profits, making it unnecessary to declare taxes previously.

Pongsathon’s income came solely from his position as a specialist to an MP.

As for the allegations of embezzlement, Rangsiman noted that Pongsathon was never indicted, leaving him qualified for MP candidacy.

He added, “I would like to confirm to the media that we understand the importance of media and public scrutiny.  We welcome it as a minimum standard that helps create transparent politics. But when we consider the news headlines and the issues brought up, we must acknowledge that they have no basis in reality.”

Rangsiman suggested that there might be a group of people disseminating misinformation for political gain. He also noted that it would be better to gain trust from the people than engage in political mudslinging.

Pongsathon said that although many people have approached him with questions, he remained unshaken and unworried about the case. He believed that everyone has the ability to analyse the facts. The by-election was called following the resignation of MP Nakornchai Khunnarong from the MFP on 3 August after it was revealed that he was sentenced to three years for theft in 1999.