Suphoth denies scandal
Suphoth Sublom, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Transport, on Friday flatly denied the speculation that he took bribery and stashed cash worth hundreds of million inside his house.
It is the first time he commented on the scandal sparked by reports that a thief took about Bt200 million cash from his home and testified that Bt700 million or Bt1 billion more is inside the house. The National Anti-Corruption Commission also resolved to launch an investigation.
Suphoth said that this scandal is to discredit him, adding that the stolen cash is the dowry and cash gifts for his newly-wed daughter. He said he had no idea of the exact amount.
"I didn't stash cash at home. Just imagine how you will stash cash worth Bt1 billion. Where is the Bt200 million amount? It will take 200 bundles of Bt1,000 banknotes to make up the amount. And the thief said he took Bt200 million. If there was Bt1 billion, why didn't him take it all?" he said.
Saying that he is not officially approached for an investigation by the NACC, he is ready for that. He insisted that he did not produce any special order in bidding processes, either at the State Railway of Thailand or Mass Transit Rapid Authority of Thailand where he served as chairman. He also insisted that he never made direct contact with private companies and that government project contracts are awarded in line with the process.
Transport Minister Sukampol Suwannathat said today that he would discuss the burglary with Supoth, who is one of his subordinates. However, he said he would not ask about the money and where it comes from, considering that a personal issue. Yet, the ministry is ready to cooperate with the NACC over the graft probe.
"As he was robbed, I need to console him. He's in misery and placing more hardship on him is inconsiderate. My motto is we should not punish the fallen. Those who are in charge of investigation should proceed with their job. Asked if it puzzles me that the permanent secretary has a lot of cash, I can't answer that. I just knew him when I took this post. I never met him before. But working together, I find him an able man. I won't comment whether this (scandal) would affect confidence in him," the minister said.
