Thirachai urges freeze on G-to-G deals
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Former Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala urged the Commerce Ministry to freeze government-to-government rice sale until the National Anti-Corruption Commission's investigation is complete.
On his Facebook page, he said that this should plug the loophole that some officials colluded with rice millers to sell the government stockpiles to Thais, disguised as a G-to-G deal.
"I wish this loophole is closed, for the efficient sale that would truly benefit the country," he said.
He said in the page that the government is not required to open bids for G-to-G deals. As such, some ministers could claim that some rice was sold to other countries, when it was actually sold to Thai buyers at an extra-low price.
He added that in the past, G-to-G deals often involved hundreds of million baht, paid after rice shipments.
He also referred to a conversation with Supa Piyajitti, a deputy finance permanent secretary, who said that the Commerce Ministry has been reluctant to reveal information of the G-to-G deals.
