Attorney-general wo n’t take the case against the court for acquittal in a case involving the Yingluck era.
PUBLISHED: 6 Nov 2024 at 19: 55
According to an informed cause, the attorney-general has decided not to take the case against Kittiratt Na-Ranong, a former commerce minister, for causing a malfeasance in connection with the purchase of grain to Indonesia in 2011.
In a case that the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) conducted in July, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions found Mr. Kittiratt innocent in court.
Attorney-General Phairach Pornsomboonsiri signed an attempt not to appeal the judge’s decision next year, according to the cause, who asked not to be named.
After the NACC determined that there were basis for the allegations made against him, Mr. Kittiratt was indicted in the case in 2021.
According to the indictment, Mr. Kittiratt was aware that Siam Indica, the exporter, was preferred by the Public Warehouse Organization ( PWO ) in order to supply rice to Bulog, the Indonesian food procurement agency. The agreement signed in August 2011 called for Bulog to get 300, 000 kilograms of milled corn priced at$ 559 per kilogram from Thailand.
However, he failed to respond to a petition calling on him to confirm that the price was conducted freely, the accusation alleged.
The Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Kittiratt did not neglect his duties because Phum Sarapol, his lieutenant, handled the paperwork relating to the corn sale and handover.
According to the classic NACC research, Siam Indica and another company, Nakhon Sawan Kha Kao, submitted proposals in December 2011. The documents were submitted for both companies by an Siam Indica staff.
Nakhon Sawan Kha Kao did not meet the standards, leaving Siam Indica as the only candidate.
Siam Indica was afterwards contracted to supply 100, 000 kilograms of grain at$ 559 per kilogram, although a provision was inserted into the contract allowing it to provide a additional 200, 000 kilograms, for which no charge was held.
The NACC claimed that the alleged misconduct prevented the PWO from receiving a good sweet provide, which constituted an abuse of position for an unlawful and conferred gain.
It claimed that Mr. Kittiratt was aware that Siam Indica had been chosen to provide the extra amount of grain without a call for a bid being made.
Under the law, if the attorney-general decides not to appeal the ruling, he is required to tell the NACC of the selection.
The NACC apparently wants the attorney-general to charm. The anti-graft body’s future intentions are unknown.
Mr. Kittiratt has long been near to top Pheu Thai Party images and served in the Yingluck Shinawatra state. Recently, he has been the subject of attention when the Bank of Thailand table elects a new president.
The government has proposed Mr Kittiratt for the position, but critics see a chance of political meddling. The variety panel has already delayed its decision half, and it will meet once more on November 11.