Ombudsman forgives Kittiratt's 'white lie'

The September 13 ruling said Kittiratt had just spoken aloud and that his comment did not have an adverse impact on the private sector or businesses, office spokesman Raksagecha Chaechai said yesterday.
Even though Kittiratt conceded that his prediction had fallen short of expectation, businesses did not rely solely on what he said but had made their own assessments as well, Raksagecha said.
In the ruling, the prime minister was advised to have her ministers take extra precaution in terms of accuracy in order to safeguard her government’s credibility.
Early last year, Kittiratt predicted that the economy would grow close to 15 per cent before he made a complete about face. In his defence he said he was obliged to remain optimistic in order to ensure a positive business climate.