Bangkok: The opposition whip demanded the resignation of the Minister of Industry over the Xin Ke Yuan scandal, citing his lack of knowledge about steel and emphasizing that the industrial sector is not a training ground for amateurs.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chayanant Ketmek, a Member of Parliament for Nong Bua Lamphu Province, Constituency 1, of the Kla Tham Party, and the opposition whip, commented on the case of Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd. being allowed to resume operations. He stated that this is not just a problem of one factory, but a major issue affecting confidence in the Thai industrial system, especially the steel industry, which is directly related to the safety of the entire nation.
Mr. Chayanant asserted that the government's response of merely referring to documents does not suffice for the public's concerns. He questioned the safety of buildings, shops, houses, schools, hospitals, and other structures, emphasizing the need for proper inspection and certification of steel used across the country. He expressed concerns over potential life-threatening consequences if mistakes occur beyond paper documents.
"The Xin Ke Yuan issue is not something that can be resolved with the statement that the documents have been approved. What the public needs is not just a set of papers, but assurance that every piece of steel used in this country is truly safe, meets standards, and that no one is exploiting loopholes in power to allow large corporations to resume operations while society remains unconvinced," Mr. Chayanant said.
He further criticized the Ministry of Industry for its lack of transparency and failure to provide clear explanations regarding production standards, quality control systems, government inspections, and other concerns related to the company's steel products. He accused the management of evading public scrutiny by providing vague responses and avoiding direct confrontation with the public's questions.
Mr. Chayanant emphasized the need for knowledgeable leadership in the Ministry of Industry, arguing that industrial affairs cannot be managed by amateurs. He stated that the ministry deals with factories, machinery, product standards, pollution, safety, and the lives of the people, and it requires leadership with expertise in these areas.
He further remarked that while the current minister may be proficient in communication skills, the role demands more than that. It requires genuine knowledge, decisiveness, and an understanding of industrial systems with a responsibility for public safety. He suggested that if the minister is more suited to international affairs, he should focus on that area rather than managing the Ministry of Industry during a crisis of confidence in steel standards.
"Today, the opposition is not asking for political gain, but on behalf of the entire nation: Is the Minister of Industry still fit to hold this position? If he cannot answer the public's questions, if he cannot instill confidence in the people, and if he can only present documents to mask the concerns of the people, then it is time for the government to consider replacing the minister as soon as possible," Mr. Chayanant stated.
Mr. Chayanant stressed that the government must not allow the Xin Ke Yuan case to become an example of "documentary approval, but public disapproval" governance. He highlighted that national trust is measured by public confidence in safety, not just by signatures on paper. He urged the government to prioritize public safety over protecting the minister's position, promising that the opposition would not let the issue fade away amidst bureaucratic paperwork.