Somsak's Trip To Britain Was ' Not Appropriate '

[webfact]

Somsak's Britain trip 'not appropriate'

Kanittha Thepjorn

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The House Speaker's recent trip to Britain was not a violation of regulations but was inappropriate, the House of Representatives Committee on Parliamentary Affairs said yesterday.

The committee, chaired by Pheu Thai MP Phaijit Sriworakhan, held an inquiry into the trip last month by Parliament President and Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont.

The deputy secretary-general of The Secretariat of the House of Representatives, Sompol Vanigbandhu, assigned the director of the Bureau of International Relations, Sirawasa Testhomsaphad, to clarify to the panel details about the trip.

Democrat MP Boonyod Sooktinthai, spokesman for the committee, said the trip was initiated because Somsak said in August that he would like to go to Britain and wanted to use Bt7 million of the budget for the Parliament President's Office for 2012.

In the beginning, the trip had only Somsak's group, but House deputy secretary-general Kamphi Ditthakorn said reporters should be taken along and proposed using the same budget for this. However, Somsak had personally paid for tickets to the soccer matches and the travelling expenses of his daughter Ploypailin, Nichapha Siriwat and Nathakapha Siriwat, aide of Pheu Thai party-list MP Phuwanida Khunplin.

Boonyod added that about Bt15,000 each spent for 13 reporters for the soccer matches was sponsored by Siam Sport, while Somsak paid for the tickets for the nine people in his group.

"In the group, each person got a Bt2,100 allowance per day. That means everyone got pocket money of Bt16,000 for this trip in addition to free travel, accommodation and food expenses," Boonyod said.

As for the proposed official study tour to the British Parliament, an official had told Somsak that the Parliament was closed at the time but Somsak did not cancel the trip.

At the next panel meeting, House deputy secretary-general Kamphi will be called as part of the inquiry.

Boonyod noted that the members of the excursion were divided into two groups - Somsak's and the media. Somsak joined the media only during a visit to the British Broadcasting Corp and for two meals. Sirawasa did not explain why they were separated.

Boonyod added that the committee thought Somsak's trip did not violate regulations because all bills and details pertaining to the trip were available. But he thinks the trip was inappropriate because Somsak was trying to use up the budget before the 2012 fiscal year ends at the end of this month. He said that ideally if money does not get spent, it should be returned to the Finance Ministry.

Boonyod added that going to a soccer match during a parliamentary study trip was considered inappropriate. Although Somsak had personally paid for the tickets to the matches and the travelling expenses of his daughter Ploypailin, Parliament also paid for his flights and accommodation.

Boonyod said he might make this point to the House committee on morality.

"The House Speaker should set a good example for other committees regarding overseas travel. Also, the Speaker must travel only when the House is not in session," Boonyod said.

"There's also the issue of taking reporters along on trips and giving them free food, hotel accommodation, taking them to soccer matches and giving them pocket money - whether it constitutes a kind of bribery."

-- The Nation 2012-10-05

[MikeOboe57]

As for the proposed official study tour to the British Parliament, an official had told Somsak that the Parliament was closed at the time but Somsak did not cancel the trip.

But

Pheu Thai party-list MP Korkaew Pikulthong, who is also co-leader of the red shirts, said [...] Somsak will study the workings of the British Parliament and see how they can be applied back home.

http://www.thaivisa....er-cash-source/

They don't even bother to put some "finesse" into their lies.

edit: typo

Edited October 5, 2012 by MikeOboe57

[fareastguy]

Somask & morality give me a break !!

they go together a bit like Sorrayuth with dignity & integrity..

Smacked wrists & tomorrow things will be the same.

[whybother]

Boonyod noted that the members of the excursion were divided into two groups - Somsak's and the media. Somsak joined the media only during a visit to the British Broadcasting Corp and for two meals. Sirawasa did not explain why they were separated.

You take and pay for 13 journalists ... and then talk to them only 3 times in 2 weeks?? That sounds appropriate.

[Thai at Heart]

Give him 1000 lines.

'it's the peoples money, not mine'

[jaltsc]

As for the proposed official study tour to the British Parliament, an official had told Somsak that the Parliament was closed at the time but Somsak did not cancel the trip.

But

Pheu Thai party-list MP Korkaew Pikulthong, who is also co-leader of the red shirts, said [...] Somsak will study the workings of the British Parliament and see how they can be applied back home.

http://www.thaivisa....er-cash-source/

They don't even bother to put some "finesse" into their lies.

edit: typo

Do not jump to the conclusion that this was a wasted trip. I believe they have discovered the answer to the political chaos in Thailand. Just close the House of Representatives. Look at the positive side of this action. No more bonehead legislation. No more lies being exposed. Plus, look at all the money being saved by not having these trips solely for public relations. And I ask you, if they closed down the House of Representatives, would any honest person notice?

[Buchholz]

"The House Speaker should set a good example"

[steve down under]

Cheap holiday at just over AU$ 222,000 !!

[jerrysteve]

A Slap on the wrists, without a good hard kick in the Posterior an inappropriate response in my view.

If he were an employee of my securities corporation15 years ago, he would be out the door in less than a New York minute and would be facing

criminal charges from the SEC and Jail time

[lizardtongue]

But he thinks the trip was inappropriate because Somsak was trying to use up the budget before the 2012 fiscal year ends at the end of this month. He said that ideally if money does not get spent, it should be returned to the Finance Ministry

Yeah screw building a school or modernizing a hospital we'll all piss off to England and watch a couple of football games!

[Bagwan]

Since football matches are played at the weekend and mid-week matches in the evening what was he supposed to be doing at those times that could be useful? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. He was just following the example of his master when HE buggered off to watch the Olympic Games. Did HE actually attend any of the events I wonder?

This is not to be interpreted as condoning this wasteful beanfeast but the mention of watching a bit of footie seems to be a red herring. It is a pity that it isn't a shark - that bites.

[inthefareast]

"The House Speaker should set a good example"

That is great!

[SICHONSTEVE]

"The House Speaker should set a good example"

That is great!

If all the Pheu Thai MP's did the same then the government would function more smoothly and get more things done that benefit Thailand!!!

[GentlemanJim]

Since football matches are played at the weekend and mid-week matches in the evening what was he supposed to be doing at those times that could be useful? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. He was just following the example of his master when HE buggered off to watch the Olympic Games. Did HE actually attend any of the events I wonder?

This is not to be interpreted as condoning this wasteful beanfeast but the mention of watching a bit of footie seems to be a red herring. It is a pity that it isn't a shark - that bites.

Well there is going to watch a bit of footie and then there is spending 300 GBP on each ticket! It's taking the p**s a bit really don't you think, sounds like they hired a box. Arranging to go and see the workings of the British parliament in London when Parliament is in recess! He declares the trip a success because he went to the BBC and now wants to instal digital TV in Thai Parliament! Still 2500 schools without electricity and he now wants digital TV systems in parliament. they have all forgotten whose money they are spending on whose behalf they spend it and the purpose they are supposed to spend it for.

Edited October 5, 2012 by GentlemanJim

[Thai at Heart]

Since football matches are played at the weekend and mid-week matches in the evening what was he supposed to be doing at those times that could be useful? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. He was just following the example of his master when HE buggered off to watch the Olympic Games. Did HE actually attend any of the events I wonder?

This is not to be interpreted as condoning this wasteful beanfeast but the mention of watching a bit of footie seems to be a red herring. It is a pity that it isn't a shark - that bites.

Well there is going to watch a bit of footie and then there is spending 300 GBP on each ticket! It's taking the p**s a bit really don't you think, sounds like they hired a box. Arranging to go and see the workings of the British parliament in London when Parliament is in recess! He declares the trip a success because he went to the BBC and now wants to instal digital TV in Thai Parliament! Still 2500 schools without electricity and he now wants digital TV systems in parliament. they have all forgotten whose money they are spending on whose behalf they spend it and the purpose they are supposed to spend it for.

Well, at least we would get to see the lying bastards in Hi-definition. He can have his study trips, but one would hope that as speaker, he might understand already the in's and out's of the British parliamentary system. I wonder what degree he has? Political science per chance?

[steveyinasia]

As for the proposed official study tour to the British Parliament, an official had told Somsak that the Parliament was closed at the time but Somsak did not cancel the trip.

​So what was the purpose of the trip again, study a closed Parliament?

[Thai at Heart]

As for the proposed official study tour to the British Parliament, an official had told Somsak that the Parliament was closed at the time but Somsak did not cancel the trip.

​So what was the purpose of the trip again, study a closed Parliament?

No, he concluded that politicians in the UK take holidays from time to time. He will take a trip next year to find out whether he organise a reciprocal trip, at British government expense, for the Speaker of the House of commons to come to Thailand along with 30 hangers on and various journalists to observe how Thai politicians take their holidays.

Edited October 5, 2012 by Thai at Heart

[Fishface]

Pathetic,---I cant be bothered to post anything....

Oh by the way what exchange rate did he get?

Edited October 5, 2012 by Fishface

[khaowong1]

A Slap on the wrists, without a good hard kick in the Posterior an inappropriate response in my view.

If he were an employee of my securities corporation15 years ago, he would be out the door in less than a New York minute and would be facing

criminal charges from the SEC and Jail time

You farang, you no unerstan Thailand.

[blackthorn2005]

Since football matches are played at the weekend and mid-week matches in the evening what was he supposed to be doing at those times that could be useful? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. He was just following the example of his master when HE buggered off to watch the Olympic Games. Did HE actually attend any of the events I wonder?

This is not to be interpreted as condoning this wasteful beanfeast but the mention of watching a bit of footie seems to be a red herring. It is a pity that it isn't a shark - that bites.

I think Jack was a dull boy way before this fiasco!

[473geo]

"The House Speaker should set a good example"

That is great!

If all the Pheu Thai MP's did the same then the government would function more smoothly and get more things done that benefit Thailand!!!

Been tried 115 MPs banned for 5 years, culminating in a govt that ends up shooting their own citizens.....spending a bit of money out of the allotted budget is perhaps not quite so excessive eh?

[MAJIC]

Since football matches are played at the weekend and mid-week matches in the evening what was he supposed to be doing at those times that could be useful? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. He was just following the example of his master when HE buggered off to watch the Olympic Games. Did HE actually attend any of the events I wonder?

This is not to be interpreted as condoning this wasteful beanfeast but the mention of watching a bit of footie seems to be a red herring. It is a pity that it isn't a shark - that bites.

Well there is going to watch a bit of footie and then there is spending 300 GBP on each ticket! It's taking the p**s a bit really don't you think, sounds like they hired a box. Arranging to go and see the workings of the British parliament in London when Parliament is in recess! He declares the trip a success because he went to the BBC and now wants to instal digital TV in Thai Parliament! Still 2500 schools without electricity and he now wants digital TV systems in parliament. they have all forgotten whose money they are spending on whose behalf they spend it and the purpose they are supposed to spend it for.

Well, at least we would get to see the lying bastards in Hi-definition. He can have his study trips, but one would hope that as speaker, he might understand already the in's and out's of the British parliamentary system. I wonder what degree he has? Political science per chance?

Sociology is known as the Dossers (lazy Buggers) Degree in the UK,is it the same in Thailand?

[Buchholz]

Since football matches are played at the weekend and mid-week matches in the evening what was he supposed to be doing at those times that could be useful? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. He was just following the example of his master when HE buggered off to watch the Olympic Games. Did HE actually attend any of the events I wonder?

This is not to be interpreted as condoning this wasteful beanfeast but the mention of watching a bit of footie seems to be a red herring. It is a pity that it isn't a shark - that bites.

Well there is going to watch a bit of footie and then there is spending 300 GBP on each ticket! It's taking the p**s a bit really don't you think, sounds like they hired a box. Arranging to go and see the workings of the British parliament in London when Parliament is in recess! He declares the trip a success because he went to the BBC and now wants to instal digital TV in Thai Parliament! Still 2500 schools without electricity and he now wants digital TV systems in parliament. they have all forgotten whose money they are spending on whose behalf they spend it and the purpose they are supposed to spend it for.

Well, at least we would get to see the lying bastards in Hi-definition. He can have his study trips, but one would hope that as speaker, he might understand already the in's and out's of the British parliamentary system. I wonder what degree he has? Political science per chance?

Somsak has a Masters degree...... in Water Resources Engineering.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somsak_Kiatsuranont

[tominbkk]

Somsak's Britain trip 'not appropriate'

No Shit, Sherlock!