Suphoth defends his resignation for expediency reasons
Play
Suphoth Sublom on Wednesday dismissed speculation that he was trying to escape accountability for graft, saying his resignation from the position of permanent secretary for transport was meant as administrative expediency.
“I just want the work of Transport Ministry to proceed without hindrance because I don’t know when my legal troubles will end,” he said.
Suphoth sought and received the green light to step down on Monday, as the National Anti Corruption Commission will rule tomorrow to rule on the causes of his unusual wealth.
The NACC launched the graft inquiry after a highly publicised break-in, in which police uncovered more than Bt18 million in stolen cash from Suphoth’s home, although he insisted he had lost only Bt5 million destined as wedding gift for his daughter.
Should the NACC decide to prosecute Suphoth for ill-gotten gains, his exit from the civil service means he will face the graft proceedings and not disciplinary punishment, which can lead to dismissal without pension and other benefits.
NACC member Klanarong Chantik said the prosecution of Suphoth, if it happens, will result in an assets seizure on his conviction for unusual wealth.
The seizure will cover assets for which the defence is unable to justify the means of acquisition.
Suphoth is also under a separate investigation for filing a false assets statement. The case will be prosecuted separately and if convicted, he will face a jail term of up to six months and a fine of up to Bt10,000.
