DSI schedules third summons for Phuket MP in alleged nominee shareholding case

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has scheduled a third summons for Phuket MP Somchat Techathaworncharoen in an inquiry into alleged nominee shareholding involving foreign nationals.

Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat said on 8 September that Somchat, a People's Party MP, had been called as a witness over his role as a director and shareholder in private companies under investigation.

The first appointment was set for 31 August, but Somchat said he had not received the summons through the postal system. He then sought to postpone a second appointment scheduled for 7 September until late September. The DSI considered that delay too long and set a third appointment for 14 September, the minister said.

Rutthaphon said reports from the area indicated that several companies had been closed and land had been sold at prices far below its actual value. Investigators had also found several plots in northeastern Thailand, he said. The minister urged Somchat to provide an explanation and warned that failure to comply could lead to action under Section 24 of the DSI Act concerning non-compliance with a summons.

Asked whether a failure to attend the third appointment would result in an arrest warrant, Rutthaphon said investigators had grounds to proceed under Section 24, without specifying what action would be taken.

He also said Somchat's status as an MP during a parliamentary session did not prevent him from appearing as a witness, adding that any missing documents could be submitted later.

Regarding the land transactions, Rutthaphon said that, generally, closing several companies and selling land at prices far below its actual value could indicate relinquishment of possession. He said the details would have to be examined further and that the DSI had retained relevant contracts and documents even if changes had been made to them.