Publication date: January 16, 2024 14:06
Minister of Justice Tawi Sodson (second from left) attended a meeting at the Government House. (Photo provided)
Minister of Justice Tawi Sodson defended the Ministry of Special Investigation’s investigation into allegations of bribery and human trafficking against two former ministers and two senior officials in the provision of Thai labor to Finland.
He denied any persecution in a joint investigation by the DSI and prosecutors.
Pol Col Tawee, speaking before attending a regular cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said the case involved alleged crimes outside Thailand. The Attorney General’s Office only investigated the case after Finnish police and the Finnish embassy notified the OAG of allegations against those allegedly involved in Finland.
Finnish police had evidence in the case, and there was a mutual criminal assistance law. The OAG then launched an investigation and the DSI also participated in the investigation, the minister said.
The investigation included interviewing witnesses and examining documentary and forensic evidence. OAG and DSI agreed. The minister said this was not his personal opinion.
Importantly, Finnish investigators had visited Thailand several times, Pol Col Tawi said, citing official reports. He declined to provide further details because they could affect the case.
The minister said the DSI is conducting an investigation focused on ensuring evidence and justice for all sides. There was no persecution of the individuals involved in this incident.
Former Minister of Labor Suchat Chomkrin strongly denied receiving wages or being involved in human trafficking activities in the employment system.
DSI said in a statement last week that it was anonymously pursuing two former ministers and two senior Labor Ministry officials on suspicion of fraud over an alleged payment of 36 million baht for approval to send Thai workers to Finland. . .
According to DSI, a group of politicians, civil servants and private citizens have demanded that Thai labor agencies pay an average of 3,000 baht for each worker sent to pick wild berries in the Nordic country.
The intermediary in turn applied special requirements to around 12,000 Thai workers posted between 2020 and 2023. In addition to all other costs normally incurred, it cost the workers a total of approximately 36 million baht.
Mr Suchart, who became Labor Minister in August 2020, said he had appointed a team of lawyers to advise him and that he had not been charged at this stage.
Mr Suchart also said he was being treated unfairly because the allegations against him were made by a female broker and there was no evidence to substantiate them. He claimed that the broker was facing legal action in Finland and had involved senior officials to secure her release.