Commerce Ministry officials to continue protest despite warning

“I haven’t forbidden officials from expressing their opinions, but they should not use work time or the government’s offices. They should keep in mind their status and responsibilities. Not only are they Thai citizens, they are also government officials, who should act with bureaucratic discipline,” ministry permanent secretary Srirat Rastapana said yesterday.

On Monday, about 100 ministry staff staged a symbolic protest against the blanket amnesty bill in front of the ministry after 4.30pm.

Srirat immediately assigned high-level officials to warn their subordinates about the protest. She also called for cooperation from officials, asking them to be conscious of what they say, as it could lead to more conflict.

To demonstrate in front of the ministry is inappropriate, she said.

Every official could express their thoughts, as they have that right, but they should not do it during office hours, she said.

Those officials would not be punished, Srirat said, as she manages the ministry based on morality. No minister or politician has interfered with their actions, she added.

Commerce Minister Niwatthumrong Boonsongpaisan said the officials had a right to express their opinion. However, under the ministry’s code of conduct, government officials should not concentrate on politics.

He said the protest was done outside working hours. It should be investigated as to whether it breached discipline, he said.

Although officials who gathered at the ministry have been warned, they insisted on expressing their opinion and opposing the bill. They said their campaign is not about politics or taking sides, but about disagreement with the bill.

“Anyone who has done wrong or is corrupt should be punished under the law. Otherwise, the country would be a mess. The amnesty bill should be aborted,” a ministry official said.