Rom Calls Idear, Husband to Explain 40 Million Baht Bribe
Rangsiman Rome has called Sudacha Zang Tantrap and her husband to appear before a parliamentary committee on October 7 to address a 40‑million‑baht bribe allegation, expanding the inquiry to money‑laundering and cryptocurrency use. He refused to withdraw his earlier comments after being removed from the chamber, criticizing the deputy speaker’s ruling as unfair and insisting gender should not shield scrutiny. The hearing will also include officials from Thailand’s anti‑money‑laundering, securities, and anti‑corruption agencies.
On October 2, Rangsiman Rome, the list‑MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, who chairs the House Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights, announced that he had invited Sudacha Zang Tantrap, the Bhumjaithai Party MP for Chaiyaphum, and her Australian‑Chinese husband Zang Taiyang to appear before the committee on October 7. They are suspected of links to a scam‑call gang. Rome said the matter is part of an ongoing investigation into a 40‑million‑baht bribe case, and that this round will broaden the scope to include anti‑money‑laundering measures and the use of cryptocurrencies. He added that representatives from the Anti‑Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) will also be summoned to clarify the issue.
Rome noted that public interest in the case has grown since October 1, and that Sudacha has insisted she is innocent and has nothing to hide, making her appearance a chance to present her side. He explained why he refused to retract his remarks after being ejected from the meeting, saying the chamber president’s ruling did not follow parliamentary rules and was a recurring issue with Mallika Jiraphanwanich, the first deputy speaker. He argued that the session began with an unfounded attack by the Digital Economy and Society Minister on three People's Party members, two of whom are already under investigation, and that the third allegation was unrelated to the bribe matter, making it unjust to demand a withdrawal. Rome emphasized that his duty is to scrutinize any wrongdoing regardless of gender, and that any proven misconduct must be acted upon, rejecting claims that the controversy is about sexism.
