Bangkok: The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) board has initiated an investigation into the union's complaint against the bank's manager, with a conclusion expected within 30 days. The board has formed a committee to examine the facts surrounding the complaint, following a petition by the BAAC union to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
According to Thai News Agency, the union reached out to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, seeking action against the manager, Mr. Chatchai Sirilai, and requested his suspension during the investigation. The union raised concerns about the manager's term and performance, prompting the Deputy Prime Minister to convene a special meeting of the BAAC board to address these issues. Representatives had previously been sent to receive the union's demands.
After the meeting, which started at 8:30 a.m., Mr. Wisanu Roj Thapsongsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, addressed the union representatives waiting at the Ministry of Finance. He announced the board's decision to establish a fact-finding committee, chaired by a representative from the Bank of Thailand, to investigate the complaints. Mr. Wisanu emphasized the board's intention to maintain transparency and good governance while improving communication channels. He will act as a mediator to facilitate understanding between employees and the union.
Prayad Thamkhun, the union president, noted that, despite discussions with the Permanent Secretary, the union has not yet received a decision regarding their request to suspend Mr. Chatchai pending the investigation. They await official documentation from the board on this matter. If there is no suspension, the union plans to inform the employees accordingly.
The union's eight demands include suspending Mr. Chatchai to allow for an investigation into allegations of budget misuse, overseas travel, procurement projects, conflicts of interest from insurance businesses, interference in appeals processes, and internal governance investigations. They also demand a review of senior management's comments to retail deposit customers, a review of the credit analysis process for faster farmer funding, examination of employment condition changes for compliance with the State Enterprise Labor Relations Act B.E. 2543, and the reinstatement of the slogan "Together, Valuing the People" instead of "The way we are."