Activist demands action on pork scandal

Attorney Achariya Ruangrattanapong requests that the Move Forward Party advance the investigation.

Activist demands action on pork scandal
At a lecture on September 19, 2022, the Customs Department will display some of the 35 kilograms of seized seized pork valued at 7.3 million baht. Apichart Jinakul ( picture )

Achariya Ruangrattanapong, an activist attorney, has urged the opposition Move Forward Party to drive for action in the seized meat incident, claiming that despite confessions from some federal officers involved, no progress has been made.

On Thursday, Mr. Achariya paid a visit to the legislature to request that Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome, who leads the House committee on national security, boundary matters, approach, and measures, look into pork-related problem and the lack of prosecutions against those responsible thus far.

The attorney pointed out that over the previous six years, state representatives from three different agencies had admitted to being involved, allegedly along with some officials, in the illegal exportation of chicken feet to China as well as the export of 20 billion baht worth of petrol to Myanmar and re-importation to Thailand.

He claimed he has prepared proof of payments received by government leaders, some of whom are lasting secretaries and ministers, in case the House council calls him in for questioning.

According to Mr. Achariya,” The documents revealed a distinct connection]to high-ranking authorities.” The logistics team even acknowledged being involved. Additionally, representatives from the Department of Livestock Development, Fisheries Department, and Customs Department acknowledged that higher-ranking individuals had been involved in the contraband.

The severity of the new pork smuggling, according to Mr. Rangsiman, has revealed Thailand’s weak legal system.

The MP stated that if legal action is not taken, we may ensure that agricultural goods meet standards or are even secure for public consumption. Not to mention that the contraband had involved powerful individuals in the nation, whose actions have harmed Thailand’s leads for livestock and agricultural products that are locally produced there.

Mr. Rangsiman stated that the damage caused by bacon smuggling fell under the purview of the commission he chairs and that it would take into account Mrachariya’s complaint.

It is not impossible to find everyone involved; instead, it depends on the government’s willingness to put an end to the situation in accordance with the law, he said.

The state is leaving Thai farmers behind. We have no idea if they will make it,” he said. When a crisis arises, the state may give people accurate information. They should n’t be concerned about driving up product prices on the market. If the position tells them the truth, persons will be ready.

At least 10 civil servants and politicians were allegedly involved in the smuggling of 161 pork containers worth 460 million baht between 2021 and 2022, according to a previous report by the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI).

For additional activity, the DSI has submitted its case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Suriya Singhakamol, the director-general of the DSI, was instantly transferred to a position at the Ministry of Justice shortly after publishing the results of its initial investigation, raising concerns that some politicians might be becoming uneasy.

According to Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompow, 92 instances of illegal foods store totaling 2, 500 tonnes for 287.72 million baht were discovered during audits of refrigerators in 77 regions from Oct. 10 to Nov 22 by the Department of Livestock Development and Fisheries.