STREET WISE
International man of mystery
Ironically enough, Surin Upatkoon, the executive who has become a headline newsmaker, can still slip unnoticed into a crowd of the press corps. Reporters barely recognise Surin, a Malaysia-based Thai businessman, about whom they have written reams over the past few weeks.
Although local reporters have seen his photograph from media agencies which Surin invited to interview him in Malaysia, they were not sure whether they would be able to distinguish him from any average Thai businessman. Waiting for Surin's first public appearance since the Shin Corp deal scandal, a number of reporters had to print out his photo and keep it in their pockets to ensure that they would interview the right person. On Monday, Surin went to the Commerce Ministry to defend himself against allegations that he is a nominee for Temasek Holdings. On that date, a crowd of reporters gathered at the ministry, waiting for the once low-profile businessman who splashed into headlines after his name appeared as a key shareholder of Kularb Kaew Co Ltd, which partly owns Shin Corp through Cedar Holdings. Surin's ownership is crucial for defining whether Kularb Kaew is a Thai or a foreign firm. The nationality of the firm is all-important as the Thai government treats local and foreign companies differently. When he first came to the ministry, journalists were surprised by his appearance. Surin is often called by his title "Datuk". Thus, journalists had expected to meet a dark-skinned businessman looking more Malay than Chinese. Surin slipped unnoticed into the conference room to meet with the Commerce Ministry. After two hours conferring with the ministry's investigation committee, he came out before some 30 journalists. But then, the reporters waiting outside were not sure who Surin was. Some went straight to Jimmy Phoon, a Temasek investment director, mistaking him for Surin. Why not? Surin was more comfortable speaking in English and his accent sounds Singaporean. Some reporters had expected Surin to be more willing to answer press questions to clear himself of the scandal. But Surin stayed stolid in spite of incessant flashbulbs from cameras and gave only brief answers to questions. In spite of his public appearance, people still wondered why he came to the ministry because he barely explained anything about the deal. Surin departed from the ministry in a luxury MPV after replying to only a few questions. He should open himself more to the Thai public. Otherwise they will remain doubtful about whether he is a proxy for Temasek Holdings.
petchanet@yahoo.com
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