BANGKOK: Somsak Thepsuthin, Thailand’s Public Health Minister, has firmly denied allegations that he facilitated the entry of the alleged leader of an extortion ring, known as “The Icon,” into the political arena. The position in question, that of assistant minister, was proposed by a political party for Cabinet appointment, according to Somsak.
According to Thai News Agency, Minister Somsak addressed the controversy surrounding a leaked audio clip in which a politician is purportedly heard demanding money from The Icon Company. Somsak stated that it remains unverified whether the voice in the clip belongs to the accused individual. He emphasized his confidence in the Thai justice system, asserting that those who commit offenses will face prosecution. Somsak cautioned against premature accusations, stressing the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold and the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation using the audio evidence.
When questioned about implications that the individual involved m
ight have been close to him during his tenure as Minister of Justice, Somsak refuted such claims. He clarified that during his time with the Palang Pracharath Party in May, the party had resolved to assign the individual to other duties. Somsak reiterated his stance, affirming that he did not play a role in bringing the individual into politics, as the assistant minister position was a Cabinet appointment initiated by the political party.