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.
