Bangkok: Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, expressed neutrality regarding the allegations against Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, over potential shareholding conflicts. Chusak emphasized that any conclusions should be based on verified facts and highlighted that ministers undergo thorough vetting processes. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chusak refrained from making definitive statements about Mr. Pirapan's situation. He clarified that it is not within his purview to comment on the Deputy Prime Minister's affairs, especially given the lack of clarity surrounding the allegations. Chusak mentioned that Mr. Pirapan claims not to hold shares, attributing ownership to his family members instead. He stressed the importance of allowing the involved parties to address the situation themselves. When questioned about the legal implications if Mr. Pirapan is found to hold shares beyond permissible limits, Mr. Chusak reiterated the abse nce of confirmed facts. He assured that any potential ministerial appointments undergo stringent evaluations to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Addressing concerns about potential constitutional and ethical violations, Mr. Chusak differentiated this case from previous ones, arguing that the matter pertains specifically to Mr. Pirapan's qualifications as an individual. He underscored the necessity of awaiting further investigation outcomes before drawing any conclusions, emphasizing that the primary responsibility lies with those directly involved. Finally, when asked about Mr. Pirapan's confidence in his legal standing, Mr. Chusak noted that ministerial appointments are subject to comprehensive scrutiny by the Cabinet Secretariat, ensuring due diligence is observed in such processes.
