Thai minister suspended by court over 1B baht graft allegations

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob was suspended from his duties today by a court due to his involvement with a construction company.

The Constitutional Court on Friday morning ordered his suspension pending its ruling on a case of alleged corruption involving his family’s interest in a construction firm. The order was effective immediately. 

Saksayam, who belongs to a powerful political dynasty, is accused of having a stake in the Buri Charoen Construction Co. Ltd., which his family owns about 80% of the shares.

The 60-year-old cabinet member’s brother Newin Chidchob was the founder and former leader of ruling coalition Bhumjaithai Party.

During a no-confidence debate in July, Saksayam was attacked in parliament by Pakornwut Udompipatskul, an opposition MP with the Move Forward Party. Pakornwut accused Saksayam of concealing his assets and using a…