Cabinet Shaken by Shares Scandal

[Jai Dee]

ICT Minister to hold press conference on his resignation at 3 PM today

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Minister, Mr. Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom, will hold a press conference on his resignation at 15:00 hours today (September 21st).

ICT Minister Sitthichai has stepped down from the Cabinet following the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NCCC)’s indication that he has more than five percent of shares in private companies. According to the NCCC, Interior Minister Aree Wongarya and Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda also hold shareholdings of over five percent in local companies.

ICT Spokesman Wissanu Meeyu (วิษณุ มีอยู่) says Mr. Sitthichai is ready to hold a press conference this afternoon. Mr. Wissanu says Mr. Sittichai’s resignation will be effective from September 29th onwards. The ICT Minister already called Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on his resignation. Gen. Surayud is currently attending the UN meeting in the United States of America.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[TAWP]

He steps down since he got caught, since surely it cannot be news to himself...

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister affirms he will not resign following AMLO investigations of his stock portfolio

The Minister of Interior Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) affirms that he will not resign following investigations of his personal stock portfolio by the Anti Money Laundering Office.

Mr Aree is one of three ministers who held more than 5% of stocks in various companies. The excess stock ownership is in direct violation of the Cabinet Stock Ownership Act of 2000. Mr. Aree alleged that he was unaware of the necessity of transferring ownership of stocks before assuming a Cabinet position, although he has since transferred ownership after receiving word of the regulation.

The Minister of Interior believes that he is not required to adhere to the Stock Ownership law as he is working for the nation, and that the government only has 2-3 months remaining in its term of duty. Mr. Aree revealed that Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont has authorized him to continue his duties. Mr. Aree believes that malicious parties are attempting to politicize his excess stock ownership in order to gain political advantages during the upcoming elections.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet shaken by share scandal

Three found with shareholdings of over 5%, but PM defers any action

Two members of the Surayud Cabinet have offered to quit after it was found they held stakes in companies in excess of the 5 per cent allowed under the graft law of 2000.

A third minister found to have a higher than allowed shareholding by the National Counter Corruption Commission refused to talk about the matter yesterday.

NCCC spokesman Klanarong Chantik named the two ready to resign as Deputy Com-merce Minister Oranuj Osathananda and Infor-mation and Commu-nication Technology Min-ister Sitthichai Pookai-yaudom. The third is Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya.

Klanarong said because of a technicality - the suspension of the 1997 constitution - none of the three could be charged.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has decided to give the three ministers a week to consider their actions.

But Oranuj and Sitthichai immediately offered to resign to avoid damaging the government.

"I will discuss whatever decision the three ministers take on the issue after returning from my visit to the United Nations," Surayud said before leaving last night for a week-long trip to New York.

In spite of the legal technicality, the ministers involved might not feel comfortable to stay on in their positions, he said, hinting at a possible Cabinet reshuffle.

Oranuj has shares in a partnership and two companies exceeding half of the equity stakes, Klanarong said. Aree holds 20 per cent of shares in a company, while Sitthichai has stakes ranging from 16 per cent to 31 per cent in three companies.

Sitthichai said he would resign from his post to show transparency.

He will hold a press conference today and will tender his resignation to Surayud when the premier returns from his one-week trip to the United Nations in New York.

The minister said he had declared his assets to the NCCC since taking office.

Sitthichai owns 16.17 per cent in International Science and Technology, which runs Mahanakorn University of Technology, 31.33 per cent in Thai Space Industries, and 31.36 per cent in Technological Research and Development.

Oranuj yesterday was in Khon Kaen to preside over Commerce Ministryactivities. She said she did not have any details at that moment.

Oranuj said the businesses were subsidiaries under Wiangtai Hotel, Oranuj's family business. She was the only daughter of the family and had to carry on the business.

She said she had not prepared to become a politician, so she didnot check on any shares. She also had no management authority in the hotel since retiring from the Commerce Ministry.

Of late, the hotel had been managed by her daughters. As a result, she knew nothing about it. She may hold more than 5 per cent of the shares because she was the landlord of the hotel which is located on Bang Lamphu Road, one of Bangkok's prime areas.

However, it was a small and medium enterprises business and it was not a listed company.

"I'm ready to take responsibility and resign from the job if it damages the government's credibility," she said.

Under the graft law enacted in 2000, Cabinet members are banned from having more than 5 per cent of equity stakes in a company, Klanarong said.

"The penalty for violating the ban is termination of office, but a problem arises because the 1997 Constitution, which is the basis to meter out punishment, has been suspended," he said.

The 2006 Interim Constitution has no provisions to penalise the ministers and the 2007 Constitution has a temporary clause to exempt the interim government from rules relating to asset declaration, he added.

"Since there is no law for punishment, the NCCC has reported what it deems as misconduct to the prime minister for further action," he said.

Source: The Nation - 21 September 2007

[Mid]

[Jai Dee]

Aree won't quit; Oranuj to decide

Interior Minister Aree Wongarya confirmed Friday he will not resign, after the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) found that he and two other ministers hold share holdings of more than 5% in private companies.

While Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom said he step down on Friday afternoon to "set standard" on the matter, Mr Aree said he will not resign from his post because there is little time left to work in the office.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[Mid]

and here's me thinking one of the reasons for the coup was to stamp down on corruption ,

they are ALL tared with the same brush ,

ALL of 'em .................... ,

mind you the ignorance of the law defence is getting a precedent .

Edited September 21, 2007 by Mid

[Phil Conners]

Wasn't he the incxmpxtent mxrxn who though "email is not important" ?

Good thing he left, regardless of reason!

[baabaabobo]

Wasn't he the incxmpxtent mxrxn who though "email is not important" ?

Good thing he left, regardless of reason!

He will be remembered for banning Youtube as well.

[Dupont]

News headlines you never see.

Thai govenment corruption - Falang surprised

Mids right. I,m just surprised it makes news anymore its so engrained.

[samran]

and here's me thinking one of the reasons for the coup was to stamp down on corruption ,

they are ALL tared with the same brush ,

ALL of 'em .................... ,

mind you the ignorance of the law defence is getting a precedent .

agree, and am disappointed.

That Oranuj and Sitthichai offered to resign is a start (I mean you don't even get that level of Ministerial responsiblity in Australia anymore) but they should resign instead of offering it. But it is encouraging to see they even realise there is a concept of ministerial responsibilty for these issues.

Ah well, bring on the elections I guess. Baharn, Chavalit, Sanoh. It'll give me a chance to start up my own "Thailand is going down the toilet" threads on TV.

[Prakanong]

Where are the anti-Thaksin hounds on this one

I am working for the nation so I do not have to abide by the law - I am sure Thaksins defence lawyers will be taking note!

[Jai Dee]

Sitthichai to announce resignation at 3 pm Friday

Information and Communication Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookai-yaudom said Friday that he will announce his resignation at 3 pm Friday.

Sitthichai was found along with two other ministers to hold stakes in companies in excess of the five per cent allowed under the graft law of 2000.

He said Friday that he would resign on October 1 to set a precedence for politicians.

Source: The Nation - 21 September 2007

[toptuan]

Wasn't he the incxmpxtent mxrxn who though "email is not important" ?

Good thing he left, regardless of reason!

Perhaps his accountant did all the stock trades via internet with confirmation emailed to the client--and the soon-to-be-ex-minister still doesn't know how to open his hotmail account?

Edited September 21, 2007 by toptuan

[Jai Dee]

I won't quit. : Interior minister

Interior Minister Aree Wongse-araya said Friday he has no plan to resign although it was found that he held stakes in companies in excess of the five per cent allowed under the graft law of 2000.

Aree said he will continue working as the minister and to organise the upcoming national election scheduled for December 23.

Anti-corruption organisation has named Aree and two other cabinet members; Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda and Information and Communication Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookai-yaudom, for the same accusation.

Sitthichai said on Thursday that he will resign by the end of this month, waiting for Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to return from UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

Oranuj said Friday that she is considering the matter.

National Counter Corruption Committee's spokesman Klanarong Chantik Klanarong said because of a technicality - the suspension of the 1997 constitution - none of the three could be charged.

Surayud has decided to give the three ministers a week to consider their actions.

In spite of the legal technicality, the ministers involved might not feel comfortable to stay on in their positions, he said, hinting at a possible Cabinet reshuffle.

Oranuj has shares in a partnership and two companies exceeding half of the equity stakes, Klanarong said. Aree holds 20 per cent of shares in a company, while Sitthichai has stakes ranging from 16 per cent to 31 per cent in three companies.

Source: The Nation - 21 September 2007

[TAWP]

Where are the anti-Thaksin hounds on this one

1st reply, thank you.

And I'm against pretty much every thai politician I've ever heard off, elected or not...

[Prakanong]

Where are the anti-Thaksin hounds on this one

1st reply, thank you.

And I'm against pretty much every thai politician I've ever heard off, elected or not...

They do seem to be much of a muchness!

Maybe its the water in SE Asia?

Singapore can not really be compared as its a city state and not that big but they do pay MP's rather well - one reason being les corruptible and also so they attract the best - itsgoing to go up to 2.2 million SGD

Maybe thats the way but it just would not fly anywhere else including the likes of the UK. MEP's get shedloads and all amount of allowances but corruption still exists there on that gravy train in certain countries.

Ther will always be corruption but some societies seem to accept it more than others (or at least give up on it and try to jump on the gravy train)

[Mid]

Aree Wongse-araya - Ok Bai!

smh.com.au

[PeaceBlondie]

The lady doesn't even know what her family owns? Or she owns the family but doesn't know what they do with her money? Do Thai politicians accept positions as Minister and Dep. Minister without checking what the law is affecting the job? Maybe there is a law or a constitution, maybe there isn't, depending if this is an odd numbered Friday?

[pete_r]

The lady doesn't even know what her family owns? Or she owns the family but doesn't know what they do with her money? Do Thai politicians accept positions as Minister and Dep. Minister without checking what the law is affecting the job? Maybe there is a law or a constitution, maybe there isn't, depending if this is an odd numbered Friday?

It was a honest mistake!

Just like Thaksin...

Edited September 21, 2007 by pete_r

[samran]

The lady doesn't even know what her family owns? Or she owns the family but doesn't know what they do with her money? Do Thai politicians accept positions as Minister and Dep. Minister without checking what the law is affecting the job? Maybe there is a law or a constitution, maybe there isn't, depending if this is an odd numbered Friday?

they do check the laws and disclose them. Well that is what they were supposed to do.

Ministers in this government all declared their family assets last year upon taking the positions, and these were published in the newspapers. Ministers were also supposed to resign from all other executive positions (eg board memberships), which they all did as well.

Problem here is that family assets aren't required to be placed in a blind trust, which I expect would be the best solution...

[Jai Dee]

Khunying Dhipavadee declines to express opinion concerning resignation of ICT minister

Minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan (ทิพาวดี เมฆสวรรค์), declines to express her opinion after the minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) suggested that she takes his post. She says the matter is up to the prime minister.

ICT Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom (สิทธิชัย โภไคยอุดม) has just resigned as the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) quotes Mr Sittichai of holding shares exceeding the amount allowed by law. Khunying Dhipavadee used to be a permanent secretary to ICT.

The PM’s Office minister says she has yet discussed the matter with Mr Sitthichai and affirms Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will decide who will replace Mr Sitthichai after he returns from the United States.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Deputy Minister of Commerce will not resign at present

The Deputy Minister of Commerce says that she will not resign despite controversy over her excess stock ownership.

Deputy Minister of Commerce Mrs. Oranuch Osathanugroh (อรนุช โอสถานนท์ ) addressed reports of her excess stock ownership in violation of laws which stipulate that Cabinet members can only own a maximum of 5% in company stocks. She revealed that she possessed 66% stock ownership in a small guesthouse with 20 rooms, and registered capital of 3 million baht, in addition to a 12.5% stake in a small southern hotel with registered capital of 20 million baht. The Deputy Minister of Commerce also possesses stock options in a department store which has been in operation for over 40 years.

Mrs. Oranuch affirms that her acceptance of the position of Deputy Minister of Commerce was not meant for political benefits for herself or her relatives. She affirms that she only wishes to work for the benefit of the nation. The Deputy Minister of Commerce reports that she is awaiting the decision of 2 other Cabinet members under investigation by the Anti Money Laundering Office for excess stock ownership before making her own decision on whether to continue her duties or resign.

Mrs. Oranuch affirms that she will complete her present duties before considering her resignation and therefore will remain at her post for some time.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Deputy Minister of Commerce requests additional time to decide whether to resign or stay

The Deputy Minister of Commerce revealed that she has been informed of the Anti Money Laundering Office's investigation of 3 Cabinet members who possess more than 5% in company stocks, including herself.

Deputy Minister of Commerce Mrs. Oranuch Osathanugroh (อรนุช โอสถานนท์) asked for additional time to consider the Anti Money Laundering Office's investigation in addition to discussing the matter with Minister of Commerce Krirkkrai Jirapaet (เกริกไกร จีระแพทย์ ) before making a decision on whether to resign or continue her duties.

Mrs. Oranuch expects to reach a decision on the matter by today.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[baabaabobo]

Coincidence?

NLA passes 1st reading of 4 anti-graft bills From The Nation

The National Legislative Assembly Wednesday passed its first reading of a package of four draft bills designed to boost the performance of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).

"The four legislations are expected to enhance the fight against corruption," Justice Minister Chanchai Likhitjittha said.

NCCC member Wicha Mahakhun outlined key provisions to expedite the hearing process on graft violations and the asset-declaration process.

Some legal definitions have been revised and clarified to effectively deal with asset concealment, he said.

Under the new graft laws, senior government officials would be targeted for a hearing process on suspected graft violations, he said. The existing procedure applies to political office holders excluding bureaucrats.

[Jai Dee]

NLA member Prasong advises 3 ministers under AMLO investigation to behave appropriately

National Legislative Assembly member and former Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly Sqd. Ldr. Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ) advised Cabinet members who are being investigated by the Anti Money Laundering Office for excess stock ownership to read the new constitution in order to derive understanding of virtue and ethics.

Sqd. Ldr. Prasong said that even though the 3 ministers did not intentionally break the law, they should behave in a respectable, appropriate, and polite manner in order to avoid controversy. The National Legislative Assembly member added that a government and ministers which come from appointment and not elections should place particular emphasis on good behavior.

Sqd. Ldr. Prasong added that officials who behave in an inappropriate manner and persist in remaining in power will be haunted by their misdeeds in their future political career and would do better to resign.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Mid]

Sqd. Ldr. Prasong added that officials who behave in an inappropriate manner and persist in remaining in power will be haunted by their misdeeds in their future political career and would do better to resign.

how's it go ?

all are equal , some more than others .........................

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Prasong says 3 Cabinet members under AMLO investigation should use virtue and ethics to decide whether to resign or stay

The Chairman of the Special Committee to Review Three Organic Laws of the Constitution believes that 3 Cabinet members who hold more company stocks than legally allowed for Cabinet members should consider their next decisions based on virtue and ethics.

Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ) said that the Anti Money Laundering Office is investigating 3 Cabinet members for possessing stocks in various companies which exceeded the 5 percent maximum stock ownership rule for Cabinet members. Mr. Prasong said that virtue and ethics are important elements which the 3 Cabinet members should consider, especially as these ministers gained their position through appointment and not election.

Mr. Prasong added that no one can stop the 3 Cabinet members from remaining in power though the results of their decisions will haunt them for the rests of their lives.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[cclub75]

Guys... The scandal is even bigger....

It took them 10 month to figure out, and to understand that it could be, it might be, probably, a problem…

We can argue that the “legal technicality” is correct (even though the Surayud government was appointed before the Constitution of 2007). However, they have clearly violated the spirit of the law…

The NCCC has published in december 2006 the assets declarations (total amount) of all the Surayud’s ministers (plus spouses and children) ! You can read the news, here (Nation) So ? What's going on ?

Why the NCCC didn’t at that time reveal the problem of the shareholdings (that were, probably, listed on the assets declarations…) ?

That leads to a double scandal if I may say.

Otherwise, it's business as usual : they are all dirty, all of them, but they sincerely don't understand that they did something wrong. They live on another planet, far, far away.

They are sincerely dirty. Which is better, than to be mean and dirty, right ?

Sweet Thailand.

Edited September 21, 2007 by cclub75

[TAWP]

If the data was released then hundreds of journalists and others have failed their job too...