The Democrat Party will seek China's help in uncovering alleged irregularities in a 5,000-tonne rice contract involving a Chinese trading firm.
Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said a letter will be sent to the Chinese embassy requesting details of the rice deal which came to light in the recent no-confidence debate.
Democrat MP for Phitsanulok Warong Dejkitwikrom alleged that GSSG Import & Export Corp, a China-based trading firm, might have been used as a front for Siam Indica Co, a Thai rice exporter, in an attempt to benefit from the government's rice-pledging scheme.
Mr Chavanond said the party hopes the Chinese government will see this as an opportunity to address the issue which has become a major corruption scandal.
"We don't want the Chinese government to be used by the Thai government as a tool in corruption.
"We believe the Chinese government will use this opportunity to clarify any suspicions about the deal," he said.
According to information provided by Mr Warong, GSSG Import & Export Corp, which is represented in Thailand by Ratthanit Sojiratkul, has sought the release of 5,000 tonnes of broken rice from pledged rice stocks stored in a warehouse in Phichit's Bang Mun Nak district.
Mr Ratthanit is an assistant to Pheu Thai-list MP Rapipan Pongruangrong, wife of red-shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong.
Mr Chavanond said the party will also write to the Bank of Thailand to inquire about the opening of the letter of credit concerning the deal.
He said he expects the central bank to provide the information and ensure transparency.
He added the party will continue to monitor government spending of more than 40 billion baht to subsidise rubber and tapioca prices.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) said it stands ready to launch an investigation into alleged irregularities in the rice contract.
Amlo chief Sihanart Prayoonrat said the agency has followed the censure debate and will investigate the allegation if and when it is asked to do so.
He said at this stage it is not possible to take action because the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has yet to implicate anyone.
"Amlo will launch an inquiry when the NACC has established sufficient grounds. What we can do is go through business transactions reported by financial institutions," he said.