Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has addressed concerns regarding his association with Mr. Montien Charoenpol, the Auditor General, amidst allegations related to the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building. Anutin admitted to a long-standing friendship with Mr. Montien, spanning over a decade, but firmly denied any involvement or assistance in the building collapse case.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anutin clarified that the allegations suggesting his interference were based on misinformation. He emphasized that despite their friendship, both he and Mr. Montien were not involved in any contractual decisions regarding the OAG building, as Mr. Montien had only assumed his role less than six months ago. Anutin criticized the dissemination of false news and stated that he is under stress due to these unfounded accusations.
Anutin further explained that any investigation into the building collapse would be conducted impartially, involving representatives from the Engineering Council of Thailand, the Engineering Institute of Thailand, and various universities. He insisted on the transparency of the investigation process and reiterated that aiding wrongdoers was not an option.
On the topic of potential legal action, Anutin mentioned that there are no grounds for a lawsuit as the accusations lack truth. He reaffirmed his friendship with Mr. Montien but insisted that it did not influence the case in any way. Anutin shared that he recently discussed the issue with Mr. Montien, confirming their mutual understanding that the rumors were baseless.
Anutin stressed the importance of uncovering the cause behind the collapse, noting that while numerous buildings in Bangkok remain intact, the failure of this particular structure indicates a specific error. He underscored the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior and relevant departments to investigate the construction errors, while the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) would handle any inquiries into potential corruption or collusion linked to the building contract.