A social media controversy involving allegations of an attempted monthly extortion of 5 million baht from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has triggered political debate, drawing reactions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and veteran political commentator Sondhi Limthongkul.
The controversy began with a Facebook post by a user identified as "Joe Montanee," who alleged a group of individuals had attempted to dig up information about Mr Phiphat and businesses affiliated with the PT Group in an effort to pressure him into paying 5 million baht per month. The alleged scheme reportedly failed to achieve its objective.
Meanwhile, Nuttha "Bow" Mahattana, a political activist and former journalist, wrote on her Facebook page: "I don't know how many media outlets engage in extortion, but there is one in particular that is widely known within media circles."
The post gained further attention after a comment appeared under it from an account identified as belonging to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The comment, written in a playful tone, read: "Hehe, every guess is correct about who it is." Mr Phiphat also posted a comment that said "thank you for providing another perspective."
The remark sparked speculation online over whether Mr Anutin personally posted the comment or whether it was made by an administrator managing his social media account.
When reporters questioned Mr Anutin at Government House, he smiled and responded, "Looking at my account? I don't understand what you're talking about," without clarifying whether he had written the comment himself.
The response fuelled further public interest, given the seriousness of the allegations, which involve claims of political pressure and attempted extortion.
The issue later became the subject of discussion by media personality and former People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul and media outlets within his group.
They argued that although none of the posts explicitly named any individual or organisation, the surrounding circumstances, the context of the discussion, and the subsequent reactions from Prime Minister Anutin and Mr Phiphat could be interpreted as referring to Sondhi and his media network, thereby causing reputational damage.
During his online programme "Sondhi Story" on June 8, Sondhi argued the controversy shows what he described as "internal political games" and the use of information as a tool to pressure politicians.
He criticised Mr Anutin's lighthearted response, saying the allegations were serious and involved claims of extortion, making such a reaction potentially inappropriate.
Sondhi warned that unless the government provides a clearer explanation, the matter could escalate to legal proceedings, potentially requiring both Mr Anutin and Mr Phiphat to testify in court in order to establish the facts.
He also questioned whether any evidence exists to support the allegation that individuals sought 5 million baht per month from Mr Phiphat.
As of now, no government agency has verified the allegation of a 5-million-baht monthly extortion attempt, nor has any formal legal action been announced.
The claims remain unproven and are based solely on statements and commentary circulating in the public domain.
