STOCKS CHARGES
PPP attacks Democrats, senators and Banharn
ruling People Power Party has asked the Election Commission to remove
28 Democrats and 33 senators from office for alleged breach of the
Constitution because they own stocks in telecom, media and other firms
that hold government concessions.
PPP deputy spokesman Suphachai Jaisamut filed the complaint with
the EC yesterday by producing a list of MPs and senators holding stocks
in companies that operate businesses that have state concessions.
Article 48 of the Constitution prohibits political
office-holders from holding shares in telecom and media companies,
while Article 265 bars them from holding stakes in companies that enjoy
government concessions.
Supachai said he had obtained the list of MPs and senators from
their personal assets declarations filed with the National Counter
Corruption Commission when they assumed office.
Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban admitted he held
5,000 shares worth Bt50,000 of telecom firm True Corp, which he bought
from the stock market.
"They have to conduct the investigation because I bought these
stocks from the stock market at only Bt50,000. My stocks are worth
little. It should not be a problem," Suthep said.
Seri Suwanphanond, one of the authors of the 2007 Constitution,
said Article 48 of the charter bars political office-holders from
holding, directly or indirectly, even one stock in a media company.
"Violating it would affect their political status. The EC must
determine this matter. If the politicians think otherwise, the
Constitution Court will have to deliberate this case," he added.
Banharn Silapa-archa and his daughter Karnjana Silapa-archa of
the Chart Thai Party have been found to own Bt80 million-Bt90 million
worth of Siam City Cement stocks. The firm produces cement with
concessions from the government.
Other big-time politicians include Khunyin Kalaya Sophonpanich,
who holds stocks in Siam Cement; Somkiat Chanthavanic in Thai Oil, Siam
Cement, Nation Multimedia, PTT and PTT Exploration & Production;
and Ong-art Khlamphaiboon in Thai Oil.
The case of Suthep and other politicians is similar to what Chai
Chidchob, the House Speaker, is now facing. Chai and his wife La-ong
are found to own stocks in a company that has a concession with the
government.
Reungkrai Leekijwatana, a senator, who has filed a complaint against Chai, said Suthep's owning of True is also a violation.
"Suthep's stock holding, directly or indirectly, [in True]
violates the Constitution even though he does not have any involvement
in the policy of the company," he said.
List of 28 Democrat Party's MPs allegedly violating constitutional laws concerning shareholding:
1. Suthep Thaugsuban
2. Anucha Burapachaisri
3. Somkiet Chanthawanit
4.Sakoltee Phathayikul
5. Kalaya Sophonpanich
6 Chanin Rungsaeng.
7. Ratchada Thanadireak
8. Ong-art Klampaiboon
9. Sarawuth Aonlamai
10. Theinchai Suwanphen
11.Chanchai Aisarasaenarak
12.Narisa Adithepwarapan
13.Samphan Thongsamak
14.Abichart Sakdised
15. Songkran Jitsuthipakorn
16. Chalermchai Sriaon
17. Kantawan Thansatien
18. Juthi Krileurk
19 Wichai Lomsuthi
20. Juar Rajchasi
21. Winai Saeniem
22.Larbsak Laphalobkij
23.Nipha Pringsulka
24.Phicharnmate Muangmanee
25. Sukhumphan Boriphat
26.Prakob Jirakij
27. Trairong Suwankiri
28. Chalernluk Kebcharb
List of 33 senators allegedly violating constitutional laws concerning shareholding
1. Korbkul Phanjareunwaurakul
2. Kiertikuntrungjai Buranasompob
3. Thanu Kulchon
4. Wirath Phanijchapong
5. Surachai Lienboonlertchai
6. Jirawat Kulawanij
7. Phichet Suntornphipith
8. Lertrath Rathanawanij
9.Thawoorn Leenutapong
10. Boonchai Chockwathana
11. Phichai Authamaphinan
12. Warin Tiemjaras
13. Aurai Kunananthakul
14. Kerk Kanlayanamitr
15. Thasana Boonthong
16. Pornphan Boonyaratphan
17. Somchai Sawaengkarn
18. Thippawan Samutharaks
19. Warawuth Rojanaphanij
20. Surapong Thansrithanakul
21. Sithisak Yongtrakul
22. Mongkol Srikhamhaeng
23. Choochai Leartphong
24. Suphot Leirdprathom
25. Phongaek Abirak
26. Phikukkaew Krairuek
27. Prawath Thongsonboon
28. Jaran Juengrungreungkij
29. Suraphong Thansrithanakul
30. Manoch Kraiwong
31. Kowith Phakdeephome
32. Nareumon Siriwath
33. Phontip Janrathpreecha
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