Stop hiring relatives, NRC members told

The move follows a public outcry over allegations of nepotism and cronyism hitting the National Legislative Assembly after it was found that more than 50 NLA members had hired their spouses, children or other kin to help them with official duties.

The Secretariat of the House of Representatives revealed that Kittiphon Thungklang hired Passorn Thungklang for Bt15,000 a month; Kusaimahwansafinah Manoonthawee hired Abeedee Manoonthawee for Bt15,000 a month; Charus Suthigoolabutr hired Narongchai Suthigoolabutr for Bt20,000; Jarernsak Salakij hired Pisut Salakij for Bt20,000; Tiwar Kankrasang hired Sakon Kankrasang for Bt15,000; Teerasak Panichwit hired Natchanont Panichwit for Bt15,000; Manas Roobkajorn hired Watcharadej Roobkajorn Bt15,000; Wanchai Sornsiri hired Chattip Sornsiri for Bt20,000; Sayumporn Limthai hired It Limthai for Bt15,000; Suvat Singhapant hired Thanyanut Singhapant for Bt15,000; Uthai Sonluksub hired Panida Sonluksub for Bt15,000 and Ubol Limsakul hired Panomda Limsakul Bt15,000.

Alongkorn Ponlaboot, NRC whip secretary, said the council was ready to disclose information as NRC members are public figures and they have a responsibility to help bring about reform because society has put its hope and faith in them.

He admitted that the revelations adversely affected the NRC’s image. He said there were some NRC members who had hired family members as their aides who are not accepting any salaries and benefits.

NRC member Wanchai admitted that he had hired his daughter but insisted that she was qualified. He said he would follow the NRC’s whip decision to terminate her employment NRC member Suwat Singhapant said he had Major Thanyanut Singhapan work for him and he had written to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives seeking permission.