Yingluck faces ombudsman's probe
The Office of Ombudsman is checking into the ethical standard related to the appointments of PM's Office Minister Nalinee Taveesin and Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Cabinet secretary general Amphon Kittiampon will have 15 days to defend the two appointments, ombudsman Siracha Charoenpanij said on Thursday.
“The probe will proceed to conclusion without being derailed by pressure,” he said.
Siracha said his office was empowered by the Constitution to examine the ethical aspect of the ministerial line-up.
Should a foul play involving Yingluck be suspected, the impeachment proceedings will be activated.
An advocacy group, Green Politics, initiated the ombudsman’s probe on suspicion that Yingluck made unethical choices.
Nalinee is facing the US Treasury sanction for business deals with American nationals or companies. Her sanction is based on her ties with Zimbawe’s President Robert Mugabe.
Natthawut is a prime suspect on myriad criminal charges, including terrorism, in connection with the political disturbances in 2010.
