Bangkok: “Rakchanok” and Chonburi MPs urge the Prime Minister to think carefully about having “Suchart” as a minister, criticizing his claim of patriotism and shifting responsibility, saying it’s a joke. Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, Bangkok MP of the Prachachon Party, held a press conference calling on Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, to consider the cabinet reshuffle, especially the proportion of Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce. She said that it must be admitted that in the past, there were issues regarding social security when Mr. Suchart was the Minister of Labor. There was investment in the Sky Nine building and there were signs of corruption or collusion in bidding in many projects, which we never received any clarification. What we always heard Mr. Suchart say was, ‘I have nothing to do with it, whether it’s the leasing of the building or any other issues.’ Therefore, she had two issues to ask the Prime Minister about forming this cabinet.
According to Thai News Agency, the first issue raised by Ms. Rakchanok was whether the Prime Minister would like to have a minister like Mr. Suchart in the Cabinet. She pointed out the Sky Nine building case, which was leased for 7 billion baht when its value was only 3 billion baht. Mr. Suchart claimed ignorance of the matter, raising concerns about his suitability for a ministerial role. Ms. Rakchanok questioned the Prime Minister’s decision to include someone who appears unaware of the operations within his ministry.
The second issue highlighted by Ms. Rakchanok focused on Mr. Suchart’s performance as Deputy Minister of Commerce over the past two years. She questioned the impact of his tenure on agricultural prices and export activities, suggesting that his performance should be evaluated to determine if he should continue in the position.
Mr. Chawan, a Chonburi MP from the Prachachon Party, supported Ms. Rakchanok’s concerns, emphasizing the need for clarification on Mr. Suchart’s involvement in issues related to the environment and electronic waste smuggling. He cited evidence linking Mr. Suchart’s expert to illegal activities involving electronic waste transport, and expressed his desire for a response from Mr. Suchart.
Ms. Rakchanok further questioned the appropriateness of Mr. Suchart’s potential appointment to the role of Industry Minister, suggesting that it might be an attempt to undermine the current minister. She emphasized that her observations were not accusations, but rather a call for transparency and accountability.
When asked about Mr. Suchart possibly returning to the Ministry of Labor, Ms. Rakchanok dismissed the idea as a conflict of interest, citing the unresolved issues surrounding the Sky Nine building. She warned against decisions that might conflict with the interests of 24 million insured persons and urged the Prime Minister to make choices that reduce the impact on the government’s stability.