NLA to hold hearing on ex-Commerce Minister impeachment case on Apr 30

NLA to hold hearing on ex-Commerce Minister impeachment case on Apr 30

BANGKOK, 29 April 2015 (NNT) - The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has compiled a total of 19 questions to be asked during impeachment hearing against Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and his associates, regarding the failed government-to-government (G2G) rice program under his administration.

NLA Whip Jed Siratharanond revealed that the assembly will hold an impeachment hearing on April 30 to question Mr Boonsong along with former Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol and former Department of Foreign Trade Director-General Manas Soiploy.

Mr. Poom has declined to attend the hearing, saying that it would compromise the integrity of the case currently being deliberated by the Supreme Court.

The 19 questions were submitted by NLA members to the hearing committee, consisting of two questions for the National Anti-Corruption Commission and 18 questions for the defendants.

The NLA Whip revealed that most of the questions were regarding the authenticity of the G2G agreements between Thailand and two Chinese state enterprises.

The NLA will vote on May 8 whether to impeach the former Commerce Minister and his associates.


-- NNT 2015-04-29