Speaker's share deals 'not done to hide wealth'
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House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont yesterday defended himself against suspicion he has been trying to conceal his wealth.
Somsak, also president of the Parliament, confirmed an Isra News Agency report that he held 1.02 million shares in Dhipaya Insurance Plc worth about Bt102 million.
He said he had obtained the shares after leading a group of investors to acquire the insurance company.
Somsak said he had his brother-in-law hold the shares for him ahead of last year’s general election as he had expected to be appointed to the Cabinet and such positions were subject to shareholding limits.
However, once he became House speaker – a post not subject to shareholding restrictions – he took the shares back, but when he learned that the insurance firm was entering into an agreement with certain state agencies, he decided to transfer the shares to his daughter.
“I have acted straightforwardly and in a transparent manner. I explained to the NACC [National Anti-Corruption Commission] about having other people hold the shares for me,” Somsak said.
In relation to reports he also held shares in other firms in the music and health industry, Somsak said he had forgotten the details because these companies closed down several years ago. “I will have to find the relevant documents.”
He also defended himself against an allegation by Democrat MP Thaworn Senneam that he made unfair rulings as House Speaker. Thaworn petitioned with the Senate, accusing Somsak of violating Article 125 of the charter, which requires that speakers of the two Houses remain impartial.
“It’s normal for someone in my position to be criticised. People who closely follow what I am doing will find that this allegation is not correct. I have always followed the Constitution in performing my duty,” Somsak replied.
