Somsak 'study tour' defended

Somsak 'study tour' defended

The spokesman for the parliament president insists his boss has done nothing wrong in leading a study trip for parliamentary reporters to Europe.

Wattana Sengpairoh, spokesman for Parliament President Somsak Kiatsuranont, told a press conference at parliament yesterday that the excursion also included representatives of news agencies which did not support the government.

He was referring to representatives of The Nation and Bangkok Post in addition to those from Matichon, Voice TV and Maxima Television.

When he was told a "representative" of the Bangkok Post on the trip in fact had no ties to the newspaper, Mr Wattana said media organisations would have to check on this matter by themselves.The spokesman also denied Mr Somsak was involved in the selection of reporters who had been invited. He said he did not know who chose the participants and advised reporters to ask Khampee Ditthakorn, deputy parliament secretary-general, who arranged the trip.

Mr Wattana declined to comment on the spending for the study tour but insisted that those who attended football matches in England did so out of their own personal interest and this was not included in the official itinerary.

The spokesman also said that it was not irregular for an MP to go on an overseas study trip when parliament is in session.

Mr Somsak's original trip was scheduled for Sept 19 until Thursday but later postponed to start yesterday and end on Thursday.

The itinerary was also adjusted.

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