Surasak raps graft claims

Surasak raps graft claims

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Surasak Kanjanarat warned yesterday that legal action will be taken against anyone who accuses his ministry's officials of being involved in corruption without strong evidence.

His announcement came after Sasin Chalermlarp, chairman of the Seub Nakasathien Foundation, and Hannarong Yaowalers, chairman of Thai Water Partnerships, recently informed the public of a number of corruption cases among ministry officials through a Thai PBS television programme. 

The pair accused some ministry officials of reaping benefits from several projects such as dredging rivers and restoring natural water sources.

"From now on I will sue anyone making allegations of corruption to protect the honour and dignity of state officials," Gen Surasak told reporters at Government House yesterday.

On Thursday, Mr Sasin went to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to give information on alleged corruption pertaining to Kasemsun Chinnavaso, permanent secretary for the ministry. Mr Hannarong did not join the event.

Mr Kasemsun said the ministry was unhappy with such corruption allegations.

"The ministry has its policy to deal with all corruption cases. Problems have happened at every department and we are not reluctant to deal with them," he said.

Mr Sasin insisted he had made his comments on natural resource management, which was under the national reform plan, with good intentions.

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