Ombudsman Drops Charges On Thai Govt Appointments

[webfact]

Ombudsman drops charges on govt appointments

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Office of Ombudsman yesterday decided to drop charges of misconduct against the government for appointing PM's Office Minister Nalinee Taveesin and Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua, though it gave Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra 30 days to review the controversial selections.

"The PM did not pay attention to the ethical issues before she finalised the two appointments and she should therefore review them," chief ombudsman Panit Nitithanprapas said.

She added that giving Nalinee and Natthawut the Cabinet positions did not violate the code of ethics because the legal issues involving them were still inconclusive. For instance, she said, the US Treasury sanction against Nalinee for her link with Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe was still under appellate process, while terrorism charges against Natthawut in relation to the 2010 turmoil were under judicial review.

She went on to say that the ombudsman found that Cabinet secretary-general Ampon Kittiampon had not lapsed in his duty when vetting qualifications of the two as per relevant laws and prescribed procedures. However, in the face of Natthawut's and Nalinee's questionable activities, the Cabinet Secretariat should strengthen its vetting of nominees to avoid controversies, she said.

Panit added the Yingluck had 30 days to decide as to whether the appointments should be reconsidered, and if the deadline passed without a review, then the office was obliged to submit its report to Parliament.

There is no penalty for ignoring the review and controversial appointments are not a cause for impeachment, she added.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said his party welcomed the ombudsman's ruling.

"The government is empowered to make executive appointments |and the ruling has set a clear precedent barring opponents to play politics with [the Cabinet line-up]," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-03-07

[whybother]

If they have decided that there is nothing wrong with the appointments, what is the point of reviewing them or strengthening the vetting procedures?

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

[webfact]

Office of Ombudsman: PM Yingluck is righteous in appointing Nalinee and Nattawut

BANGKOK, 7 March 2011 (NNT) - The Office of Ombudsman has found the prime minister not guilty of unethical conduct in the recent appointments of 2 new ministers.

Chief Ombudsman Panit Nitithanprapas held a press conference on the results of an investigation on the ethical conduct of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Secretary General to the Cabinet Ampon Kittiampon.

Both have faced scrutiny because of the appointments of Nalinee Taveesin as a Prime Minister's Office Minister and Nattawut Saikuar as a Deputy Agriculture Minister.

Mrs. Nalinee has been on the US blacklist while Mr. Nattawut is known for his involvement in the Red Shirt political movement.

Mrs. Panit said all of them are not guilty of any unethical conduct.

She elaborated that Mrs. Nalinee and Mr. Nattawut were appointed ministerial positions in a righteous way while Mr. Ampon has not done anything inappropriate about the screening of both appointees.

However, the Chief Ombudsman commented that Prime Minister Yingluck has not been prudent enough in her consideration of the ministerial nominations, an action that has shaken the public faith in the government and the country's integrity in the eyes of the international community.

Therefore, the Office of Ombudsman has demanded that the PM review ethical and behavioral conducts of all ministers, as stipulated in Article 279 of the Constitution and in the PM's Office regulations, and to report back within 30 days.

If the Premier fails to meet this deadline, the Office of Ombudsman will bring the issue up before the Cabinet and the Parliament.

-- NNT 2012-03-07

[ParadiseLost]

This is news? Was there anyone out there seriously expecting different?

[whybother]

Righteous?

[rubl]

However, the Chief Ombudsman commented that Prime Minister Yingluck has not been prudent enough in her consideration of the ministerial nominations, an action that has shaken the public faith in the government and the country's integrity in the eyes of the international community.

Therefore, the Office of Ombudsman has demanded that the PM review ethical and behavioral conducts of all ministers, as stipulated in Article 279 of the Constitution and in the PM's Office regulations, and to report back within 30 days.

Continue with the topic on 'Thai cabinet reshuffle likely in May'

[Colin Yai]

OH what a surprise!!

[Reasonableman]

"morally right", but ethically questionable? Go figure.

Righteous?

[Payboy]

the Office of Ombudsman will bring the issue up before the Cabinet and the Parliament.

That should get some results.

[Thaddeus]

Righteous?

Brother.