Thai Justice Minister Pracha Keen To Dispel Doubts Over Shifting Of Graft-Buster

[webfact]

Pracha keen to dispel doubts over shifting of graft-buster

Piyanuch Thamnukasetchai

The Nation

Dusadee

BANGKOK: -- Justice Minister Pracha Promnok has ordered the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission to hold a press conference today in order to dispel any lingering doubt on the transfer of PACC secretary general.

"Pracha wants Dusadee Arayawuth to explain his transfer as routine and freed from political interference," a Justice official said on the condition of anonymity.

Last week Cabinet agreed to reassign Dusadee to the position of deputy permanent secretary for Justice, effective on October 1, as per a proposal by Pracha.

In regard to the naming of Dusadee's successor, Pracha is scheduled today to chair a meeting to move Pravesna Mulpramook out of the Department of Special Investigation, to pave way for his appointment at the PACC.

According to the justice official, Dusadee earlier rejected Pracha's request for him to facilitate the secondment of Pravesna because he had wanted to a PACC insider to replace him.

This has prompted Pracha's direct intervention to override Dusadee via the Justice Ministry's Civil Service Subcommission.

In a related development, DSI director general Tarit Pengdith said he was not aware of a move to second his deputy Pravesna to the PACC although he had heard the matter being discussed.

Tarit believed Pracha had a mandate to move Pravesna for a new job at the PACC.

Justice permanent secretary Kittipong Kittiyarak said his office had no involvement in dispensing the new assignment for Pravesna because the matter was under the direct purview of the minister.

Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry has set Friday to release its annual performance report, showcasing achievements fighting graft and illicit drugs.

The ministry also planned to revamp the work of the Justice spokesman in order to shore up its public image which recently came under attack because of help it has given to the red shirts and the alleged meddling in anti-graft probes.

Naras Savetanan, designated director general of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, is tipped to concurrently become the Justice spokesman.

-- The Nation 2012-09-10

[Siripon]

I hope Dusadee comes out fighting and tells the media how it is- namely an attempt to stop probes in corruption in Issan, especially Udon, the red shirt heartland.

[BookMan]

"Pracha wants Dusadee Arayawuth to explain his transfer as routine and freed from political interference," a Justice official said on the condition of anonymity.

So there is some political interference and direction to have Dusadee explain that his transfer was free from political interference?

Does not inspire confidence.

[dcutman]

Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry has set Friday to release its annual performance report, showcasing achievements fighting graft and illicit drugs.

Is there really a need to release this annual report? What could the contents of this report possibly be? A blank document with a signature and a stamp at the bottom, is all I can think of.

Edited September 10, 2012 by dcutman

[GentlemanJim]

The problem is that one thing this country does have, and uses it with great frequency is the strictest anti-defamation laws in the world. And as many readers here will be aware, it does not matter if you are telling the truth, if you simply 'damage' someones reputation it is game on. It is funny that so many other things are lax, yet the governments in the past made a law that was the strictest in the world, and it is exactly for the reason we will see today. If the Justice Minister has said that the posting of Dusadee was non political then that is what Dusadee's story must say. For Dusadee to call Pracha a liar, even though it is likely true, would bring down a storm of class actions on him that would be successful. Its clever really, you have a system where bye politicians can rape the country but all other politicians are gagged from telling the truth! Dusadee will sit and read the statement written by the Justice Minister.

[virtualtraveller]

Incredible. He orders Dusadee out of the job, dressing it up as a promotion, and then insists Dusadee should hold a press conference to explain it all. TIT.

[ratcatcher]

If the truth be known, Khun Dussadee, as a graft buster, was getting too close to the rodents nest that passes as the Thai government and all its departments. Customs, Narcotics, Forestry etc. There were obviously many corrupt characters starting to get really uncomfortable with Dussadee probing here and there. Best promote him to a "safe" position where he can no longer bother the parasites as they slowly destroy Thailand. After all they've got to be able to get those cheaper imported luxury cars past Custom Dept I guess..

I personally hope someone sees him for what he really was, a sort of Thai version of Serpico and a man to be admired for his dedication. A characteristic sadly lacking in many politicians and administrators in today's world..

[billd766]

Why doesn't the Justice minister explain the whole thing personally himself?

Then there can be no doubt in anyones mind what has happened.

[RogueExpat]

Why doesn't the Justice minister explain the whole thing personally himself?

Then there can be no doubt in anyones mind what has happened.

Maybe he is worried that people might not beleive him.....

[khunken]

Why doesn't the Justice minister explain the whole thing personally himself?

Then there can be no doubt in anyones mind what has happened.

I don't think there is any doubt that needs to be explained. And it won't be a 'white' lie.

[bigbamboo]

Oh dear, the Americans won't be impressed.

[OzMick]

Pravesna has obviously proved to be an apt pupil of the morally malleable Tarit. Expect all current cases to be abandoned, and a plethora of new ones to appear, most of which will contain the key word "Democrat".