Bangkok Deputy Minister Accuses Two MPs of Seven Billion Baht Fraud
A political storm is brewing in Thailand. Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin will sue two members of parliament over allegations linking him to a controversial real estate acquisition. Formerly the Minister of Labour, Mr. Chomklin will file a defamation lawsuit against People’s Party (PP) MPs Rukchanok Srinork and Sahassawat Kumkong. He accuses them of disseminating false information and damaging his reputation.
The controversy centers on the Social Security Office’s (SSO) purchase of the SKYY9 Centre in Bangkok. Ms. Srinork alleges the seven-billion-baht acquisition occurred during Mr. Chomklin’s tenure as Labour Minister under the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). She claims irregularities and financial losses plague the building’s management, citing its 40-million-baht net income last year—below the 50-million-baht management costs.
Mr. Kumkong alleges that the then-Labour Minister transferred a close aide to a committee overseeing investments, including the SKYY9 Centre purchase, implying a potential conflict of interest.
Mr. Chomklin vehemently denies these allegations, criticizing the MPs for making public accusations without sufficient evidence. He contends they could have raised their concerns through proper channels, such as the House of Representatives or a no-confidence debate. He states the building was appraised by a reputable, stock exchange-listed company and that, as minister, conflict-of-interest regulations prevented him from intervening in SSO investments.
The Deputy Minister also denied knowledge of the SSO’s reported purchase of another building in the Ratchadaphisek area, referring questions to the SSO board. He stressed that any investigation into SSO investments should be conducted by qualified agencies to avoid damage from uninformed scrutiny. “If the SSO investment isn’t proper, it should be investigated by the relevant agencies,” he stated, highlighting the potential risks of inadequate investigation. He declared the legal battle will be fought in court, with no room for negotiation.
Ms. Srinork suggests the building, abandoned during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, was purchased and renovated by a private company around the time the Social Security Fund (SSF) amended its regulations—a timing she deems suspicious. Mr. Kumkong adds that the SKYY9 Centre acquisition was made through a trust, with approximately 70% of its resources allocated to this single purchase.
This escalating dispute highlights the intricacies of Thai politics and raises questions about transparency and accountability in public institutions. As legal proceedings begin, the nation will closely watch this case and its implications for those involved and the broader political landscape. The lawsuit promises a dramatic courtroom showdown with potentially significant repercussions.
