Cabinet Shaken by Shares Scandal

[Mid]

Under pressure Oranuj may resign today

Sunday September 23, 2007

Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda, who is facing mounting calls to quit over the controversy about her excessive shareholdings in private companies, may decide to quit the cabinet, a source said. She is expected to make her decision known this afternoon in a press conference at a city hotel.

snip

While Mr Sitthichai promptly declared his resignation, which is to take effect on Oct 1, Ms Oranuj and Mr Aree previously said they had no plans to quit.

However the minister appears to have changed her mind amid growing pressure for her resignation, the source said.

bangkokpost.com

[hammered]

Worldwide ministers resign because they become a political embarrassment to the government not because they will end up in jail or even being prosecuted. This would seem to be the case here.

[Mid]

Worldwide ministers resign because they become a political embarrassment to the government not because they will end up in jail or even being prosecuted. This would seem to be the case here.

Exactly ,

and the POSITIVE message it will send is priceless ...............................

[hammered]

Worldwide ministers resign because they become a political embarrassment to the government not because they will end up in jail or even being prosecuted. This would seem to be the case here.

Exactly ,

and the POSITIVE message it will send is priceless ...............................

We are for once in total agreement. Lets also not forget only a year ago if Mr. Thaksin had taken this option things would have been a lot different. There is an irony in that somewhere.

[Plus]

Don't forget that information available publicly might not tell everything that happened. Suttichai might have been caught with his pants off, but getting him prosecuted and convicted might not be possible, or even desireable, politically speaking. Oranuj and Ariya might be clean, but they way it has been presented, they should step down, too.

[Mid]

Oranuj set to resign this afternoon

BREAKING NEWS

(BangkokPost.com) - One of the three ministers embroiled in a case which has resulted in calls for them to step down will give a press conference at 2 p.m. on Sunday. It is widely believed that Oranuj Osathanonda, who is Deputy minister of Commerce, will announce her resignation.

snip

bangkokpost.com

[Mid]

two down , one to go .............................

[jackspratt]

Don't forget that information available publicly might not tell everything that happened. Suttichai might have been caught with his pants off, but getting him prosecuted and convicted might not be possible, or even desireable, politically speaking. Oranuj and Ariya might be clean, but they way it has been presented, they should step down, too.

Gee, nothing like a bit of speculation to raise the level of interest.

[Old Man River]

Worldwide ministers resign because they become a political embarrassment to the government not because they will end up in jail or even being prosecuted. This would seem to be the case here.

I agree. Ministers are free to resign as they wish. That is their prerogative. The issue I have is the call for their resignation. The next government needs to be thinking about unifying the country. If, under the law, these people are innocent then leave it up to their consciences how they act.

Calling for their resignation without prosecution by those running for election only leads people upcountry to ask, since Thaksin has resigned as PM, shouldn't he now be free from prosecution on the share concealment issue? After all, the 2007 constitution he violated no longer exists. It would have been best to make this a non issue from a political standpoint. There are just so many more important issues to be concerned with than this.

[Mid]

two down , one to go .............................

Thai Deputy Commerce Minister resigns

Today's Top Stories

Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda, who is facing mounting calls to quit over the controversy about her excessive shareholdings in private companies, has eventually decided to quit the cabinet effective October 1.

snip

bangkokpost.net

[solo siam]

Weren't these people asked to do these jobs at very short notice, and in an usual circumstance?

[Mid]

Aree Wongse-araya - Ok Bai!

smh.com.au

Poll: Three ministers holding equity shares should quit Surayud government

Sunday 23 September 2007 04:35:01 PM (GMT+7:00)

BANGKOK, Sept 23 (TNA) - Almost half the total respondents in a poll conducted by the respected Assumption University ABAC poll agree that all the three cabinet ministers holding equity shares exceeding the five per cent legal limit should resign from their posts.

ABAC Poll director Noppadol Kannikar said the poll conducted between September 21-22 of 1,464 persons aged over 18 in Bangkok and its surrounding areas showed that 46.2 per cent of the total respondents said the trio should quit their posts while 28.8 per cent said they could continue working.

Nearly half -- 48.5 per cent of the respondents -- said that the shareholdings beyond the legal limit by the three ministers in the interim government of Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont represented a negative effect on the example of good governance of the government while 35.9 per cent said no negative impact was seen.

The three ministers are Information and Communication Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom, Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya and Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuch Osathanond. Mr. Sitthichai has said he would resign from his post effective October 1. (TNA) - E111

MCOT Public Company Limited.

[nothingleftbutfaith]

Weren't these people asked to do these jobs at very short notice, and in an usual circumstance?

Sure...

If u really believe that , dream on buddy

[samran]

Weren't these people asked to do these jobs at very short notice, and in an usual circumstance?

Sure...

If u really believe that , dream on buddy

I don't just beleive it, I know it to be true. People were tapped on the shoulder.

[chownah]

My view is that regardless of whether the "offending" ministers are benefitting excessively from their tenure or not and regardles of whether the interim law excuses them.... if the people running the gov't (its the military...and let's face it, they will be running the gov't for quite awhile even if there are "democratic" elections held) really want to end corruption then they need to stop waffling on these sorts of things and make a clear policy and then stick to it.....and any "offending" ministers would benefit the country most by stepping down immediately and praising those who have brought their "non-compliance" to the publics attention....in this way they could be adding just a little bit more momentum to any effort to actually clean up the corruption (if there really IS any effort being put toward that end) by helping to set a precedent.......please stop laughing...I know this is really idealistic...but...in reality it is actions like this that make all reforms happen....either individuals line up to implement change or they don't.

Chownah

[JetsetBkk]

Weren't these people asked to do these jobs at very short notice, and in an usual circumstance?

Sure...

If u really believe that , dream on buddy

I don't just beleive it, I know it to be true. People were tapped on the shoulder.

Tap.. tap... "Oi, Sitthichai! Wanna be ICT Minister?"

Sitthichai: "Yeah, great, OK. Er, what's it stand for again?"

Tapper: " 'Information and Communications Technology' - you know, Internet and stuff."

Sitthichai: "Yeah, great, OK. Er, Internet? What's that again?"

[Mid]

Aree stays put despite growing calls for his resignation

Sun, September 23, 2007 : Last updated 21:17 hours

Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya insisted that he will not resign even two ministers announced to quit from the post after were found to have violated 5 per cent on stake holding.

Aree and two ministers - ICT minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom and deputy Commerce minister Oranuj Osatananda were found hold more than five per cent shareholding in private companies. Sitthichai announced to quit on Friday while, Pranuj announced to resign Sunday.

Aree said Sunday that he has no plan to quit from the post saying that he will wait Prime Minister Surayud Chualanont to return to the country.

"When the premier come back I will consult with him," he said.

He also talked about a criticism from PM's office minister Thirapat Serirangsan who call on the resignation from the alleged ministers.

"I did not doubt him. I have no comment about a relationship between Thirapat and the People Alliance for Democracy. People can judge it," he said.

Thirapat called on three ministers to quit, his criticism made Oranuj unhappy. She said in an press conference Sunday that she was uncomfortable to work with the team that shows divided thinking.

This government shows some signs of problems as members criticised others.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

[samran]

Weren't these people asked to do these jobs at very short notice, and in an usual circumstance?

Sure...

If u really believe that , dream on buddy

I don't just beleive it, I know it to be true. People were tapped on the shoulder.

Tap.. tap... "Oi, Sitthichai! Wanna be ICT Minister?"

Sitthichai: "Yeah, great, OK. Er, what's it stand for again?"

Tapper: " 'Information and Communications Technology' - you know, Internet and stuff."

Sitthichai: "Yeah, great, OK. Er, Internet? What's that again?"

great one!

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

From the Nation's September 21st edition:

"Sitthichai told a press conference yesterday that he would hand in his resignation to the prime minister on September 30, a day after the premier returns from his visit to the United Nations. It will take effect on October 1."I suggest that PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan succeed me," he said."

http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/22/hea...es_30049865.php

Breaking news from the Nation on September 23rd:

"The Assets Examination Committee (AEC) will this week summon PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan to testify about her alleged involvement in approval of a large compensation to a company owned by ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's family even though the money should have been paid to a state agency."

http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30049959

[Mid]

noiceee .................................

[John K]

Aree refuses to step down over shares

Interior minister refuses to quit despite 2 colleagues doing so

Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya insisted yesterday he would not quit despite the resignation of two Cabinet colleagues who also exceeded the 5-per-cent legal limit on shareholdings.

Late last week, Aree, plus Information and Communi-cations Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom, and deputy commerce minister Oranuj Osatananda were found to hold shares totalling more than 5 per cent of the equity in various private companies.

Sitthichai announced his resignation on Friday and Oranuj resigned yesterday.

But Aree said yesterday he had no plans to give up his post, adding that he would wait till Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont returns from abroad. The prime minister is in New York for a meeting of the UN General Assembly.

"When the premier comes back I will consult with him," he said.

He also addressed criticism from PM's Officer Minister Thirapat Serirangsan, who has called for the three to step down, and responded to a reporter's question about alleged links between Thirapat and the People's Alliance for Democracy.

"I do not doubt him. I have no comment about the relationship between Thirapat and the People's Alliance for Democracy. People can judge for themselves," Aree said.

In response to Thirapat's comments, Oranuj said in a press conference yesterday she was uncomfortable working with a team that was divided.

Oranuj said criticism from some Cabinet members had prompted her to resign after she had initially vowed to stay on till the end of the government's term.

"I have no problem working with the Cabinet, but just with some Cabinet members," she said yesterday.

She will submit her resignation to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont immediately after his return from an overseas trip. It is expected to take effect on October 1.

"It's uncomfortable to work with a team that is divided in its thinking. This government shows some signs of problems as members criticise others. I don't feel bad about those persons, but they are breaking etiquette. As a team, if they feared that [her business holdings] would tarnish the government's image, they should have sought personal discussion with me. They need not have talked about it in public," Oranuj said.

She insisted it was easy to resign. But she wanted to wait till she could consult with the prime minister. However, she had called Surayud's secretary and told him of her decision.

Smiling as usual and not appearing upset, Oranuj refused to liken her case to that of MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, the former finance minister who resigned after attacks by some ministers. "I don't have any personal problem with the ones who came out to criticise me. Is this a political game? I don't know. I'm not a professional politician."

The deputy minister had said on Friday she would stay on to help the country, but conceded yesterday she was uncomfortable with the criticism.

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said last week the three ministers, whose shareholdings exceed the limit under the 2000 graft law, should resign.

Oranuj said she had consulted Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet, who told her to do what would make her comfortable.

"I really wanted to finish the term to work as a team. But my supporters said the longer period means only stones. I could come in for criticism from society. So, I decided to call it quits," she said.

As deputy commerce minister, she was in charge of the Intellectual Property Department, Insurance Department, Public Warehouse Organisation and agricultural crops. Yesterday, she was scheduled to fly to Cambodia for a rice meeting but her trip was cancelled.

A high-ranking official at the ministry said it was sad to see her leave, as Oranuj had been the key player in answering all questions, particularly those regarding the foreign business and retail business laws, as Krirk-krai was often away on overseas trips.

At the end of the press conference, Commerce permanent secretary Karun Kittisataporn and other officials presented her with a bouquet of flowers to show their moral support.

Oranuj holds a stake in a family business, a 20-room guest house registered under the name Ban Dok Pud with a registered capital of Bt3 million. Oranuj holds a 60-per-cent stake in the company.

She also holds a 12-per-cent interest in a 45-room hotel business named Udom Raemruay, whose registered capital is Bt20 million, and a 50-per-cent stake in another hotel called Vieng Tai registered under Boonyaprom Co Ltd, which has a registered capital of Bt100 million.

Oranuj has held the stake for 40 years, having inherited them from her parents. The combined value of the three companies is Bt54.5 million.

In his regular Sunday article published on the Democrat Party website, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday called on any remaining ministers undecided on whether to resign to review their decisions.

He said in the article, entitled "The Stakes of Ministers, One Year After the Coup, and the New Army Chief", that the administration could continue to function even if some ministers stood down.

While the National Counter Corruption Commission found that ministers exceeded the 5-per-cent cap, the issue was not necessarily a political matter, Abhisit said.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said the government faced trouble because Aree was being criticised and questioned by society at large.

"I think he [Aree] may want time to think, but he has not yet shown himself. If he lets this case go on it will not benefit him," Suthep said.

He said Aree had another conflict of interest because his son has taken sides with deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"Whatever he says, people will find it difficult to believe him," Suthep said.

The Thai News Agency quoted Surayud from New York as saying he would consult with Sitthichai and other people involved before deciding on a reshuffle of the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, most people want the ministers involved in the affair to resign, according to the results of an Abac Poll released yesterday. Some 46 per cent of respondents said the ministers should resign, 29 per cent said the ministers should keep working, and 25 per cent had no comment.

However, 48.5 per cent of respondents said that ministers who exceeded the 5-per-cent cap on private equity holdings affected the government's moral image. But 36 per cent said the issue would not have an effect, and 16 per cent gave no comment.

The survey, on Friday and Saturday, covered 1,464 residents of Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Petchanet Pratuangkrai,

Bancha Khaengkhan

The Nation

[cclub75]

It's astonishing that no one is connecting the dots...

We don't care if X or Y should resign. And now or in one month.

Again, the core of the problem is the... calendar.

The press keeps repeating "the NCCC has discovered...". When ?

We need to repeat that the NCCC has published begining of december 2006, the total amount (not the details) of the assets declarations of all the ministers, their spouses and their children ! Look by yourself, it's here (Nation).

Shares are assets.

Therefore, we have 3 solutions And ONLY 3.

-1- it took 10 month to the NCCC to read the assets declarations of the ministers. This is why they "just discovered" the shareholdings problems. Therefore, they are incompetent.

Consequence : that's bad because NCCC is suppose to hunt down Thaksin....

-2- the NCCC has deliberately covered up this issue, for 10 months. Why ?

Consequence : scary.

-3-The ministers have... lied on their assets declarations that they gave last year to the NCCC. They haven't listed their shareholdings.

Consequence : scary too. They have to resign. And it's a serious blow to the whole Surayud's and its clean image...

[jackspratt]

It's astonishing that no one is connecting the dots...

We don't care if X or Y should resign. And now or in one month.

Again, the core of the problem is the... calendar.

The press keeps repeating "the NCCC has discovered...". When ?

We need to repeat that the NCCC has published begining of december 2006, the total amount (not the details) of the assets declarations of all the ministers, their spouses and their children ! Look by yourself, it's here (Nation).

Shares are assets.

Therefore, we have 3 solutions And ONLY 3. NONSENSE

-1- it took 10 month to the NCCC to read the assets declarations of the ministers. This is why they "just discovered" the shareholdings problems. Therefore, they are incompetent.

Consequence : that's bad because NCCC is suppose to hunt down Thaksin....

-2- the NCCC has deliberately covered up this issue, for 10 months. Why ?

Consequence : scary.

-3-The ministers have... lied on their assets declarations that they gave last year to the NCCC. They haven't listed their shareholdings.

Consequence : scary too. They have to resign. And it's a serious blow to the whole Surayud's and its clean image...

4. A scenario equally as valid the the self-described definitive 3 above - perhaps the NCCC was focusing on bigger fish ie the Plunderer-in-Chief. It would seem there is enough there to keep them occupied for a long time into the future.

[Plus]

I'm not sure the shares in question were required on those asset declarations. The 5% rule, as I understand, covers only LISTED shares and/or managerial positions.

[John K]

The fact that Aree is waiting for Surayud to return at least makes me sit up and take note. It at the very least suggests a deal proposal by Aree, however that is a gut feeling and my no means verified.

Depending on how this little episode plays out will either give or remove strength to Thaksin’s position. However there is deliberate concealment on Thaksin’s part were there appears to be non for Aree unless I missed something. Odds are that Surayud will tell Aree to punch out and go home thanking him for his service to the country. It is the only way this can play out and keep the momentum against Thaksin going.

I also am very aware this probably would have gone unnoticed if Thaksin was not caught with the same.

[Mid]

Interior minister under pressure to resign

BREAKING NEWS

(BangkokPost.com) – The pressure is all on Interior Minister Aree Wong-Arya now that Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda has announced her resignation from the cabinet amid growing controversy over shareholdings in private companies.

Information Communications and Technology Minister Sittichai Pookaiyaudom - one of the three found guilty by the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to have stakes in excess of 5 percent in private firms – announced his resignation last week.

Oranuj’s decision to resign on Sunday shifted the spotlight on Mr Aree, who had been adamant about holding onto his post. He said he will wait until the prime minister returns from the United States to consult will him before considering whether to step down.

snip

bangkokpost.com

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister will only resign under instruction from PM

The Minister of Interior says that he will resign only if the Prime Minister instructs him to do so.

Residents and village headmen numbering in the hundreds from Samut Prakan, Ratchburi, Petchaburi, and Nakhon Pathom provinces traveled to the Ministry of Interior to show their support for Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ ) following the Anti Money Laundering Office's investigation of his excesss stock ownership. Mr. Aree received flower bouquets from the crowd before proceeding with his duties at the ministry today.

The Interior Minister affirms that the will continue to work for the nation and will only resign on instructions from the Prime Minister. Well wishers from upcountry provinces told reporters that Mr. Aree was a hard working and dedicated official and that his 1 year term of duty was under special circumstances therefore the government should not be too harsh on Mr. Aree's excess stock ownership. Supporters of Mr. Aree added that their visit today is not staged.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2007

[Mid]

wouldn't ya love to be a fly on the wall ,

in t's legal eagles off-ice ????????????????

[Old Man River]

I'm not sure the shares in question were required on those asset declarations. The 5% rule, as I understand, covers only LISTED shares and/or managerial positions.

I have not seen an English translation of the Graft Law of 2000. However, at no place can I find where the 5% rule covers only listed shares. If you have a link to where this has been reported, please provide it as it would be interesting to read a different take on this.

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet reshuffle necessary to replace resigning ministers

The Deputy Prime Minsiter and Minister of Social Development and Human Security believes that a Cabinet reshuffle will be necessary.

Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham (ไพบูลย์ วัฒนศิริธรรม ) reports that the resignation of Deputy Minister of Commerce Oranuch Osathanugroh and Minister of Information and Communication Technology Sitthichai Pokai-udom due to their excess stock ownership and investigation by the Anti Money Laundering Office. Mr. Paiboon said that the 2 minister's decision was a personal issue which will be discussed further when Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont returns from New York.

Mr. Paiboon believes that an internal reshuffle of the Cabinet may be necessary in order to account for the 2 minister's resignation. He said that a replacement is essential to carry on the Minister of Information and Communication Technology's duties. The Deputy Prime Minister does not believe that an outsider will be appointed to the Cabinet as the government only has 3-4 months left in its term.

Mr. Paiboon added that whether or not Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin will be appointed to the position of Deputy Prime Minister for National Security in the next administration will depend on the Prime Minister.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2007