A political activist lodged a complaint with the national anti-graft body today (Monday), against Deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada’s use of parliamentary funds to host a buffet for maids working at the parliament complex.

In his complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Srisuwan Janya seeks an investigation into the use of the funds, alleging that Padipat misused taxpayers’ money for personal and political gain.

It is clear that the use of the money to treat maids working at the parliament complex did not fall into an acceptable category of spending, as defined by law, Srisuwan claims.

The maids are employees of a private company, which is contracted to provide staff to work at the parliament complex. Therefore, Padipat’s spending on them had nothing to do with parliamentary affairs.

“I believe Padipat has misused the money and could face criminal charges. The deputy House speaker should have used his own money, instead of official funds,” said Srisuwan.

He also claims that Padipat went against one of his Move Forward party’s election manifesto policies, which states “the party will not use state funds for personal benefit because they come from the taxpayers so they are meant to be used for the country’s benefit only.”

Padipat had earlier defended his use of the money, saying it was in line with parliamentary regulations.

The money was from an entertainment fund, which is approved by the Comptroller’s Department and allocated to him by the House speaker.