Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has been full of praise for the “Mam Po Dum” (Queen) whistle-blowing facebook page for its contribution to Thai society, especially for its recent exposure of the alleged hoarding of 200 million face masks by a politically-connected online trader.
Government spokeswoman Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat said today that the Prime Minister praised “Mam Po Dum” and promised a full investigation into the mask hoarding allegations, saying he would deal with the perpetrators harshly, irrespective of whether they are linked with the government or not.
Regarding a former Palang Pracharat party member Mr. Sonthiya Sawasdi, who has lodged a complaint with the police seeking an investigation of the administrator of “Mam Po Dum”, Mrs. Narumon said that Mr. Sonthiya quit the party a long time ago.
The controversial website recently posted a clip showing a man, whom it identified is an aide to a cabinet minister, claiming to have 200 million face masks for sale to anyone interested in buying large quantities.
On March 9th, Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao said his aide, identified as Pittinant Rak-iad, had nothing to do with the trader, Mr. Sornsuvee Phuraveeratsavacharee, who claimed he had the masks for sale.
Thammarat later fired Mr. Pittinant and Mr. Sornsuvee told the media that he does not have the 200 million masks, and that he made the claim in an effort to boost his credibility among his potential customers.
Mr. Sornsuvee, however, is now being investigated by police, led by Pol Gen Suwat Jaengyodsook, the deputy national police chief.
