The results of a sixth probe into the SSO childbirth delivery and dental services, meanwhile, were due to go Juthathawat tomorrow, said Skills Development Department head Somkiat Chayasriwong, who chaired the panel.

Juthathawat said he had read and returned five investigation reports to each inquiry panel and ordered them to conduct additional inquiries.

The probe into the SSO spending Bt16 million to produce discount coupons found that everything was in accordance with legal procedures, but there were contradictions in regard to the services and the result of a public hearing.

For the SSO's Bt500-million purchase of the Watthachak Building, which the committee reported as already having been scrapped, Juthathawat asked why the agency responsible had not announced its cancellation.

Juthathawat also requested further inquiries into the SSO's investments overseas and in domestic stocks - although the probe committee found everything in accordance with legal procedure.

A panel probing a Bt2.8-billion procurement of computers said the deal had been submitted to the Cabinet in 2002, with the SSO board's approval. But Juthathawat said that just because all projects received board approval did not mean the processes were legal.

Many issues needed further information and evidence from related parties and it would take time to ensure a thorough and just investigation, he said.

In regard to the dispute between a private contractor and the SSO over installation of an IT system, which resulted in the Labour Ministry and SSO being sued in the Administration Court, Juthathawat said he would seek more information from the SSO.