The National Anti-Corruption Commission will launch an inquiry into possible violation of a gift ban involving Pheu Thai MPs, NCCC member Somlak Judkrabuanphol said yesterday, reminding opposition lawmakers anyone found guilty faced disqualification and a three-year jail term. The main opposition party organised a New Year's party on December 23, during which a number of computer notebooks, expensive watches and the grand prize of a pickup truck were given as gifts to Pheu Thai MPs.
Under the anti-corruption law, political office holders are banned from accepting gifts valued at more than Bt3,000.
"The law is clear - officials, including senators and MPs - are prohibited from accepting gifts worth more than Bt3,000 and they are obliged to report such gifts [even if] received under circumstances deemed unavoidable," Somlak said.
She said she would check whether the opposition MPs had reported any gifts to the House speaker. The ban has been in effect for years but a large number of office holders continue to ignore its enforcement, she said.
Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra was convicted on the Ratchadapisek land case and incumbent Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva voluntarily returned a pair of elephant tusks after he realised their value, she said.
At least 14 Pheu Thai MPs received computer notebooks and two MPs - Nuruemol Thandamrong from Samut Prakan and Ruangdet Suwanfai from Khon Kaen - got a wristwatch worth Bt1 million each.
Responding to Somlak, Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Suchart Lainamngen said in his opinion the gifts drawn in a raffle at the New Year's party should not fall under the ban.
Suchart said he was master of ceremonies at the raffle which was intended to liven up the party mood and not an attempt at solicitation to win favours.
He claimed the grand prize for the pick-up truck was announced but there was no handover of the gift.
Pheu Thai MP Peerapan Palusuk said the exchange of gifts at a New Year's party was not classified as a ban under the anti-corruption law.
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