Suchart to sue MPs for defamation over building claims

Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin is planning to sue two MPs from the People's Party (PP) for defamation. This follows claims linking him to the controversial purchase of the SKYY9 Centre by the Social Security Office (SSO). Suchart, who previously served as labor minister, announced his lawsuit on Monday. He accused PP MPs Rukchanok Srinork and Sahassawat Kumkong of spreading false information that harmed his reputation. Rukchanok said the SSO purchased the SKYY9 Centre for seven billion baht while Suchart was in office. She also mentioned potential irregularities in the management of the building. The building's financial situation is concerning. Its net income was 40 million baht last year, which was less than its management cost of 50 million baht. Sahassawat claimed that Suchart transferred a close aide to a committee handling investments, including the building purchase. Suchart plans to seek legal action under the Computer Crime Act. He criticized the MPs for making accusations without proper evidence. He suggested they could have raised their concerns in Parliament instead. He defended the SSO's investment process, stating that it was appraised by a registered company and that ministers are not allowed to interfere to avoid conflicts of interest. Suchart denied having knowledge of another SSO property purchase and urged relevant agencies to handle any investigations properly. He emphasized that the lawsuit will be resolved in court with no chance for negotiation. Rukchanok noted that the SKYY9 building had been abandoned during the 1997 financial crisis. A company had renovated it around the time the SSO's regulations were changing, potentially leading to the purchase. Sahassawat mentioned that about 70% of a trust fund was used for buying this building.