Thai minister refuse to resign over shares holding allegation

Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nop-a-morn-bo-di said Wednesday he would not resign though the Election Commission (EC) has resolved to resort to the Constitution Court to disqualify him on constitutional violation.

Manit holds shares in firms that have been granted a state concession and linked to media business, Thai News Agency reported. Thailand's constitution prohibits cabinet members from holding shares in any company.

Manit said the problem will not affect working at the ministry and he has not been officially informed by the EC yet.

The EC resolution could be trigged by his holding of 500 shares in True Corporation Plc or formerly known as Telecom Asia, Manit said.

But, Manit claimed that he had sold off the shares before he was appointed at deputy public health minister.

He would bring relevant documents to the EC to prove his innocence, the minister said. He will keep working at the ministry pending EC's final rule on his case, Manit said. Manit is a member of the coalition Bhum-jai-thai Party.

Source: Xinhua