A complaint has been filed against Dr Sirirurg Songsivilai, the Permanent Secretary on the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), over allegations of taking 32 abroad journeys between March of last 12 months and September of this 12 months. The opposition has raised these considerations, calling for transparency and accountability concerning these travels.
In response to a request for clarification from Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a list MP from the Move Forward Party, Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi instructed Dr Sirirurg to offer a comprehensive report detailing his worldwide journeys. While Minister Supamas is expected to officially assume her duties on the ministry on September 15, she has acknowledged that she has not but received Dr Sirirurg’s account of the trips.
Odd disclosed on his Facebook page that he possesses information indicating that the MHESI Permanent Secretary embarked on 32 foreign journeys over the past 18 months, with a few of these journeys reportedly costing approximately 5 million baht.
He has urged Minister Supamas to provoke an investigation to determine the purpose and necessity of those journeys for official duties, emphasising the significance of upholding accountability and transparency in public expenditure.
Additionally, the opposition MP has expressed his intention to involve the National Anti-Corruption Commission in investigating potential irregularities in these expenditures.
As of now, Dr Sirirurg has not addressed the allegations, and it has been reported that he is currently in the United States attending an annual meeting from September 6 to 10, reported the Bangkok Post.
According to an MHESI source, the Permanent Secretary also has future journeys planned to Mexico from September 11 to 16 and to Australia from September 24 to 30.
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