Chairman of the Thai-Indian Business Association and People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) member Satish Sehgal has accused state agencies of treating him unfairly and wrongly claiming that he broke the law.
Satish Sehgal has accused state agencies of treating him unfairly and wrongly claiming that he broke the law. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
The Interior Ministry's immigration committee has resolved to deport the Indian businessman and anti-government protester for defying the emergency decree. But Mr Sehgal has appealed against the decision.
A Senate committee on corruption and good governance on Thursday held a meeting to discuss Mr Sehgal's appeal against his deportation. The meeting was chaired by Rayong senator Sai Kangkavekin and attended by Mr Sehgal and Pol Maj Gen Kritsada Surachetpong, commander of the Immigration Bureau, Division 1.
Appointed senator Paiboon Nititawa, a member of the Group of 40 Senators, argued that the Immigration Bureau should reconsider its decision to deport Mr Sehgal because the Civil Court has already ruled against the orders of Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO). The Immigration Bureau could risk violating the constitution if Mr Sehgal is deported, Mr Paiboon said.
But Pol Maj Gen Kritsada said Mr Sehgal is a non-Thai citizen with no political rights, who must be dealt with in accordance with Thai immigration law.
Mr Sehgal told the meeting that he had been treated unfairly by all state agencies and denied breaking the law by breaching the emergency decree.
"I've been an advisor to ministers six times. This is a political position. Why didn't you take legal action against me since then?
"I am always very loyal to the monarchy and I have brought benefits to the country like bringing in Indian investors to invest in Thailand," the high-profile businessman said.