Government scandal: PM Srettha orders probe into ‘pay-for-passes’
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched an urgent investigation into claims that entry passes to Government House are being sold for cash.
Speaking to reporters, the Thai PM expressed his dismay at the allegations.
“I have never heard of such activity, but I find it utterly unacceptable. I have ordered those concerned to look into the reports and hope that they are untrue.”
The scandal erupted after reports surfaced that individuals seeking access to the highly secure Government House were being offered passes in exchange for money. These passes, typically reserved for senior government officials’ aides, including those of the prime minister, have allegedly become a lucrative commodity for unscrupulous insiders.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the 62 year old PM made it clear that he would not personally scrutinise his aides, affirming his satisfaction with their current number.
“I trust my team.”
The Thai premier’s comments came after he chaired a crucial meeting of the Internal Security Operations Command, attended by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang. The timing of this revelation has raised eyebrows, sparking intense speculation and debate within political circles, reported Thai PBS World.
In related news, the fate of Thailand’s business-friendly PM Srettha, a former real estate mogul, hangs by a thread less than a year after taking office. Political turmoil has shaken investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, resulting in a 15% drop in the benchmark stock index since last year.
Compounded by a weaker baht, the combined wealth of the nation’s richest has plummeted nearly 12% to US$153 billion (approximately 5.63 trillion baht), down from US$173 billion a year ago. This year, 39 listees are less well-off, with only seven defying the trend.
In other news, to combat the narcotics epidemic, Srettha launched an aggressive nationwide crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking. Dubbed the “X-ray” operations, this initiative aims to root out drug abusers and dismantle trafficking networks across the country.
