The MPs making the claim included Anawin Ratanasataporn, Taophipob Limchitrakorn, Thitinan Saengnark, Thongdang Benjapak and Theerachai Phanthamat.
Pannika said there was no way the pro-junta Phalang Pracharat Party would be able to form a stable government with just 150 seats in the lower house, which is why it was offering huge sums to many parties in exchange for votes.
Anawin, a Pathum Thani MP, said he had been approached twice. Bangkok MP Taopiphob disclosed that he had been offered up to Bt120 million for his vote, but that he had responded by saying democracy could not be bought.
Khon Kaen MP Thitinan had been offered up to Bt50 million plus a monthly payment, while Samut Sakhon MP Thongdang said he had been offered up to Bt75 million, but had refused.
Pannika confirmed that Future Forward MPs had been offered anything between Bt5 million and Bt120 million, and some were even threatened if they refused to vote for Prayut. She said there were many brokers in Parliament whose intention was to keep the junta in power, but refused to reveal any names so as to not endanger the MPs.
“An MP’s duty is to protect the people’s interest and form a government that can solve persistent problems. Their job is not to join other MPs in exchange for Bt400 million or Bt500 million. We at Future Forward will stick together as we share the same ideology. We have no betrayers in our party,” Pannika said.
