Jet-setting abroad scandal: Permanent secretary’s globetrotting sparks opposition outcry

A grievance has been filed towards Dr Sirirurg Songsivilai, the Permanent Secretary on the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), over allegations of taking 32 overseas journeys between March of final yr and September of this yr. The opposition has raised these issues, calling for transparency and accountability relating to these travels.
In response to a request for clarification from Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an inventory MP from the Move Forward Party, Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi instructed Dr Sirirurg to provide a comprehensive report detailing his international journeys. While Minister Supamas is expected to officially assume her obligations on the ministry on September 15, she has acknowledged that she has not but received Dr Sirirurg’s account of the trips.
Wiroj disclosed on his Facebook web 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 aim and necessity of these 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 within the United States attending an annual assembly from September 6 to 10, reported the Bangkok Post.
According to an MHESI source, the Permanent Secretary also has future trips planned to Mexico from September 11 to sixteen and to Australia from September 24 to 30.
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