Aide to Pracha admits lack of planning at FROC

Tirachai said that because the catastrophic flooding occurred so soon after a change in the government, it was inevitable that the government would only be able to deal with problems in this way – something for which it has been heavily criticised.
However, he said FROC had always acted in good faith in trying to battle the crisis, citing the example of Pracha’s decision to revoke the appointments of four Pheu Thai MPs to manage flood-relief supplies after being advised to do so.
Tirachai was responding to the opposition’s plan to launch a no-confidence debate and impeachment proceedings against him and six other Pheu Thai MPs over their alleged abuse of power in handling the flood situation.
Pracha said he was ready to defend his integrity in the no-confidence debate. “I have only the truth to reveal, and not lies. I am a politician with integrity. I only speak the truth,’’ he said.
He said he had never been involved in the procurement of flood-relief supplies. “I have never instructed anyone to buy any flood-relief supplies; I only ordered officials to distribute them,’’ he said.
The Flood Relief Fund, which is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, has responsibility for procuring relief supplies and is under the supervision of the FROC, he said.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party deputy spokesman Jirayu Huangsab said he would file criminal and civil suits against opposition whip Jurin Laksanawisit for seeking to launch an impeachment motion against him without grounds.
Jirayu said he would demand Bt100 million in compensation from Jurin for defaming him.
Jirayu is among the Pheu Thai MPs accused by the opposition of violating Articles 265 and 266 of the Constitution by interfering in the work of state agencies to serve their own interests.
He said he would seek a legal interpretation from the Council of State over the articles cited by the opposition.