Main photo: Sittra Biabungkerd
Activist lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd urged the opposition Palang Pracharath party today to dismiss Samart Jenchaichitvanich, deputy party spokesman, accusing him of alleged involvement with the iCon Group.
Samart is widely suspected to be the man heard in an audio clip demanding at 100,000 baht monthly payoff from iCon Group, in exchange for protecting the company from official scrutiny.
Today, Sittra submitted a letter, addressed to Palang Pracharath party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan, demanding Samart’s ouster from the party over the scandal.
The lawyer claims that he had approached Wan Yubamrung, an executive committee member of the party, and Sira Jenjakha, a former MP of the party, for confirmation that the voice in the audio clip is that of Samart.
He also said that it would not take long for the party to investigate Samart’s alleged involvement with iCon Group.
Samart had earlier threatened to sue Sittra, or any other lawyer, who implicates him of involvement with the e-commerce company.
Meanwhile, iCon Group CEO Waratphol Waratvorakul postponed his appointment with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board today for 15 days, claiming that he is not ready to testify to them.
Responding to the postponement, Chitiphat Boonsom, head of consumer protection regarding direct marketing, said that he had rejected Waratphol’s request for a postponement and referred the matter to the police for action to be taken against the embattled CEO.
He added that Waratphol may face jail for up to a month and/or a fine of 10,000 baht for his failure to meet with the board as scheduled.
Three celebrities linked to iCon Group are due to report to the board tomorrow, for interviews with officials regarding their roles in the company.
The board is currently in a meeting discussing whether to withdraw iCon Group’s direct marketing license.
