Minister Lottery Scheme Case Going To Court In Thailand

The Supreme Court of Thailand on Monday agreed to hear a case involving the former cabinet of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The allegations against the cabinet stem from a lottery scheme.

September 26th will be the first day that the court will hear testimony in the case. It involves a lottery scheme that was started back in 2003 under the Thaksin government.

Three current cabinet members may lose their jobs because of the ruling on Monday. Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong, Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas, and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee were all in the former cabinet that is under investigation.

"The court decision has put more pressure on the current government as it may lose the ministers, which could affect the government's projects," said Kosin Sripaiboon, UOB KayHian Securities Analyst.

Although the speculation is lingering for the ministers to resign, they have vowed, at least for now, to continue to do their jobs. "Since there has been no legal precedent on the case, I will continue to perform my duty," said Surapong.

Judge Roongroj Ruenrernwong read the ruling on Monday of the Supreme Court. "The charge is in accordance with the Supreme Court's procedure. Therefore it has agreed to hear the case," said Ruenrerngwong.

July 28, 2008
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!