Suthep says he will retire if impeached
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Democrat Party MP Suthep Thaugsuban said Friday that he would retire from politics if he is impeached for allegedly interfering with the Culture Ministry during the Abhisit government's term.
Suthep said he accepted the rules and respected the decision of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the decision of the Senate.
The NACC on Thursday resolved to seek the impeachment of Suthep, a heavyweight in the opposition Democrat Party, for allegedly interfering with the Culture Ministry while serving as deputy prime minister.
NACC spokesman Klanarong Chantik said the NACC will forward its report and relevant documents on the matter to the Senate in support of Suthep’s impeachment and five-year ban from politics.
He said the NACC found that Suthep, in his capacity as a deputy prime minister, sent a letter dated February 25, 2009, to the then culture minister requesting political appointments for 19 individuals, including Democrat MPs.
Suthep said Friday that he withdrew the list after he checked the laws later.
“But the NACC regarded that I have already committed the crime so I have to respect its decision,” Suthep said.
“Now, I am 64 years old. If I am banned from politics for five years, I’ll be 69 years after the ban so I’d better quit politics.”
The Nation
