Krirk-krai: Oranuj needs not resign

Oranuj Osathananda

He said if Oranuj sought his opinion, he would say that the resignation is unnecessary given that the interim government would be in office for only a few months.

 "Once the term ends, both Oranuj and I would be relieved from the responsibility. Moreover, the Constitution has a provisional clause that allows the interim government not to comply with some laws. It is clear that ministers who were named by the National Counter Corruption Commission could continue with their work," he said.

Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda said on Friday that she is seeking advice from Krirk-krai  before making a decision if she is to resign from the ministerial post.

The National Counter Corruption Commission found on Thursday that Oranuj, Interior Minister Aree Wongse-araya and Information and Communication Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookai-yaudom hold stakes in companies in excess of the five per cent allowed under the graft law of 2000.

 Oranuj said that she has never abused power for personal gains and she has never wanted to be a fully-fledged politician.

 "I serve the country in times of need. Right now, the Commerce Ministry has many issues at hands. Right now, taking this into account, I don't need to resign. However, I will discuss with Krirk-krai and consider other ministers' reactions on this issue. I will also take into account social responses," she said.

 She said she has held stakes in a family business, which is a 20-room guest house of which registered capital is only Bt3 million. Oranuj holds a 60 per cent stake in the company.

 She also held a 12.5 per cent stake in a hotel business, of which registered capital is Bt20 million. She also has a stake in a mall operating company which has been held for 40 years.  Totally, her assets are worth Bt54.5 million.

- The Nation