Bangkok: "Teng" expressed extreme frustration after the Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat failed to address urgent questions regarding a "mysterious person hoarding oil" during a House of Representatives session. Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, initially directed an oral question to the Prime Minister about government officials' involvement in oil stockpiling. However, the Prime Minister delegated the task to Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who then passed it to Deputy Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong had communicated his intent to question the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister Pipat to the House Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He emphasized that the questions were specifically directed at these two individuals and not the Deputy Minister of Transport. Mr. Nattapong requested the opportunity to present these questions at a subsequent session.
The urgency stems from an inspection initiated by Mr. Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the People's Party, which identified irregularities at an oil depot in Phetchaburi Province. The inspection revealed problematic sealing procedures at tanks under the Customs and Excise Departments' oversight. Mr. Nattapong stressed the need for direct answers from the Prime Minister and Mr. Pipat regarding potential connections between the oil hoarding case and a network of shady investors and high-ranking government officials.
The allegations include five main coincidences involving individuals connected to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. These involve suspicious transactions and affiliations, including an overpriced sale of an oil depot, associations with casinos in Cambodia, and connections to individuals facing legal issues related to money laundering and online gambling. Additionally, there are claims of a friendship between Deputy Prime Minister Pipat and an individual named "Sia Tue," linked to illicit networks.
Mr. Nattapong pointed out that these are not mere coincidences but rather "coincidences plus," suggesting a broader network of illicit funds and transnational crime involving high-ranking government officials. He questioned the Prime Minister's potential double standards, referencing a previous incident involving Mr. Worapak Thanyawong, a former Deputy Minister of Finance.
In response, Mr. Siripong acknowledged that the issues were outside the Ministry of Transport's purview but required public answers. He assured that the concerns would be forwarded to the Prime Minister and noted that many matters were being handled by the Department of Special Investigation. Mr. Siripong apologized for any inconvenience caused.