Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has confirmed that its decision to dismiss the complaint against Saksayam Chidchob does not infringe upon the Constitutional Court's ruling. It stated that the allegations of power abuse to benefit associates lacked substantial evidence.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surapong Intarathaworn, Secretary-General of the NACC and its spokesperson, addressed the complaint dismissed against Mr. Saksayam Chidchob, the former Minister of Transport. The complaint involved allegations of intentionally concealing false asset and liability declarations related to his ownership of shares in Buricharoen Construction Limited Partnership. Mr. Saksayam had submitted six asset and liability declarations during his tenure as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Transport, none of which included the investment in the partnership. The Constitutional Court had ruled that Mr. Saksayam retained partnership status with others holding shares on his behalf. However, the NACC found that Mr. Saksayam had transferred the shares and registered the change in ownership in 2018, prior to his ministerial position. The Constitutional Court's ruling led to the termination of his ministerial status, prompting Mr. Saksayam to pursue legal action, resulting in a settlement at the Court of Appeals Region 1.
Mr. Surapong further elaborated that the facts do not support the conclusion of an intentional false declaration or concealment of assets or liabilities. Additionally, there was no indication of an intention to withhold the source of those assets or liabilities. The issues considered by the NACC were distinct from those addressed by the Constitutional Court regarding Mr. Saksayam's ministerial status. The NACC had also taken the Constitutional Court's ruling into account during its deliberations, thereby ensuring no contradiction or conflict between the two bodies' decisions.
In response to allegations of a conflict of interest concerning Mr. Saksayam's involvement with Buricharoen Construction Co., Ltd., the NACC examined 25 witnesses and various documents. The investigation revealed a normal bidding process, with the company securing an average of 27 contracts annually, consistent with periods prior to Mr. Saksayam's office. The company's profitability and continuous expansion since 2015-2016, before Mr. Saksayam took office, supported the conclusion that there was no misuse of power or legal violation on his part.
Regarding serious violations or non-compliance with ethical standards, Mr. Surapong mentioned that the complaints pertain to the same issue, and the NACC is currently investigating them.