Shin satellite: Surapong, senior ICT official reject NACC claims

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SHIN SATELLITE
Surapong, senior ICT official reject NACC claims
The Nation

Anti-graft body had accused them of dereliction of duty for allowing changes to Shin Corp contract

BANGKOK: -- Former Information and Communications Technology Minister Surapong Suebwonglee yesterday rebutted on a radio programme the accusation of the anti-graft commission that he had breached the disciplinary code and committed dereliction of duty a decade ago.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission had found that in 2004, during Thaksin Shinawatra's government, Surapong along with then-ICT permanent secretary Kraisorn Pornsutee and Chaiyan Peungkiatpairote, then executive director of the ministry's Space Affairs Bureau, had committed "severe violations and dereliction of duty".

They were found to be jointly responsible for changes in a concession contract, which enabled Shin Corp, then owned by the Shinawatra family, to reduce its shareholding in Shin Satellite from 51 per cent to 40 per cent.

'Process closely considered'

Surapong said the process took as long as 10 months due to thorough consideration. The Office of the Attorney-General had also certified that the decision was legal.

He said the ministry had sought opinion from the PM's Office. There was a written answer that there was no need to bring the issue to the Cabinet meeting, he said.

Chaiyan, currently permanent secretary of the Information and Communications Technology Ministry, yesterday also dismissed the NACC's allegations.

In 2003, Shin Satellite, now known as Thaicom, sought to reduce its shareholding, citing the need to find partners to help expand its communication-satellite business. This was when Chaiyan proposed that the minister allow a change in contract.

However, Chaiyan defended himself yesterday, saying the changes were made after thorough consideration of all processes involved.

He said that after Shin Satellite submitted the request to the ICT Ministry, the ministry considered whether it was still a Thai-owned firm at the time and whether Shin Corp, the holding company, was the major shareholder.

What's more, Chaiyan said, the ministry also consulted the Office of the Attorney-General, which found that the change in the contract did not cause any damage to the country.

"The NACC is judging the entire process as corruption and a violation of the charter's Article 157, which is intentional dereliction of duty. The word 'intentional' means the person is aware of the wrongdoing but still proceeds with the action. However, there was nothing wrong with the process and the contract was changed 10 years ago. Did the ICT Ministry suffer any damages [as a result of this]? No.

I have served honestly and adhered to righteousness throughout my bureaucratic career. Hence, I cannot accept what the NACC is saying," he said.

Meanwhile, ICT Minister Anudith Nakornthap said the NACC needs to first provide a proper letter of clarification before the matter could be considered under the Civil Service Act to see whether Chaiyan should be removed from his post or not. He said justice was needed on both sides, adding that he did not want to say anything yet because he has not seen NACC's official report.


-- The Nation 2013-07-19

[whybother]

He said the ministry had sought opinion from the PM's Office.

No conflict of interest there!

[OzMick]

" He said the ministry had sought opinion from the PM's Office. There was a written answer that there was no need to bring the issue to the Cabinet meeting." Surapong

I hope the judge finds this as humorous as I did. You would have to be a moron to even mention it in defence of your corrupt actions.

[LuckyLew]

Maybe these two can go buy a house on the same street as Thaksin

[A Member]

This involves Mr. T and family interests, just how far will it be allowed to go ?

[drdoom6996]

This involves Mr. T and family interests, just how far will it be allowed to go ?

Just as long as the person(s) responsible want it to go. Maybe a skype call is necessary?

[animatic]

Profit taking by reducing the contracted percentage of Thailand ownership.

Oh yes, not worth bringing up in the cabinet,

lest anyone in the public hear about it before the deal is set in stone.

[khunken]

Surapong said the process took as long as 10 months due to thorough consideration. The Office of the Attorney-General had also certified that the decision was legal.

He said the ministry had sought opinion from the PM's Office. There was a written answer that there was no need to bring the issue to the Cabinet meeting, he said.

As OzMick says, getting the ok from the PM's office is a moronic defence.

Interesting too that the Office of the A-G said it was legal. One more piece of evidence that the A-G's office is controlled by the group in power. Should help those of a certain hue that think the A-G is impartial.