Transport minister probes bribery involving Deere, ministry depts

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit initiated a committee to probe bribery allegations involving two ministry departments in Thailand and the local unit of multinational construction firm Deere, following a case highlighted in the United States.

Three weeks after Deere reached a US$10-million settlement with US officials, Suriya announced the formation of the panel to scrutinise the bribes outlined in the US case summary.

Wirtgen Thailand, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deere, allegedly paid bribes to officials at the Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads in connection with seven procurement projects between late 2017 and 2020.

Suriya stated that the fact-finding committee, chaired by the ministry’s permanent secretary Chayatan Phromsorn, aims to ensure fairness, safeguard government interests, and uphold the Ministry of Transport’s reputation.

“The committee is authorised to gather all pertinent facts and evidence, summon individuals for questioning, and investigate any affiliations between Wirtgen and the departments in question, as well as other state enterprises under the ministry.”

The committee has been given a 15-day deadline to submit its investigation report.

According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s summary, Wirtgen Thailand bribed officials from the two ministry departments to obtain critical project information, Suriya added.

Additionally, American authorities indicated that bribes were also extended to officials of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

The bribes reportedly took various forms, including cash, meals, massage parlour services, consulting agreements, and overseas trips, according to the SEC statement cited by Suriya.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission had previously announced plans to further investigate the activities documented in the US report, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, allegations of transnational bribery involving the RTAF have resurfaced, prompting responses from top officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the persistent issue, stating that bribery has long plagued the military.