BANGKOK, Feb 25 (TNA) - Thai Justice Minister on Monday defended his decision to transfer Sunai Manomaiudom, director-general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), dismissing criticism that the move was aimed at favouring former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and taking revenge for his younger brother.
Mr. Sunai was abruptly transferred last Friday to serve as acting secretary-general of the newly-established Office for the Protection and Suppression of Corruption in State Sector under the Justice Ministry. The order was effective on February 25.
"The decision has nothing to do with the cases involving the ex-premier as the cases now rest with public prosecutors," Sompong Amornwiwat told a press conference at Government House.
The DSI is handling major cases related to Mr. Thaksin and his family members.
The department recently asked Thailand's public prosecutors to proceed with the cases against Mr. Thaksin and his wife Mrs. Pojaman over alleged concealment of their shareholdings in SC Asset Corp, a listed property company.
The justice minister also denied accusations that the abrupt transfer order was meant to take revenge for his younger brother Pol. Gen. Sombat Amornwiwat, the former DSI chief, who had been axed after September 2006 military coup that removed Mr. Thaksin from power.
"My mind is not occupied with that issue at all. I don't care what others said," Mr Sompong asserted. "The main reason behind my decision was that Mr. Sunai as a former judge was suitable and capable for the new agency.
Meanwhile, Mr Sunai refused to comment on the transfer, saying only that he had no worry over the order.
On the same day, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong who served as DSI deputy director-general before being transferred to the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) after the September 2006 coup, has replaced former justice Sunai as acting DSI director-general.
Speculation was rife that Permanent Secretary for Justice Jaran Pakdithanakul is likely to be transferred, but the justice minister brushed aside the reports, saying that Mr. Jaran is an efficient person who can serve the ministry efficiently but that must serve the government policy as well. (TNA)-E001
Political News : Last Update : 14:42:18 25 February 2008 (GMT+7:00)
|
