Commerce Ministry officials appear to harbour deep concerns about the enormous cost of the frequent missions abroad led by Vice Commerce Minister Veerasak Jinarat.
The officials have said the trips appear designed more for his personal benefit than promoting Thai interests.
"For each trip abroad, the ministry must take a huge loss of Bt500,000 for each participant. The roadshows are aimed at opening markets for Thai exports and tightening cooperation with targeted importers and governments. However, it seems the road-shows led by this person have not helped the Kingdom at all," a senior ministry source said yesterday.
Many anonymous letters have been circulated to many agencies within the ministry criticising Veerasak's inappropriate behaviour during his foreign roadshows.
The letters claim that Veerasak has lavished huge sums on himself and his female escorts instead of focusing on the roadshows'outcome as part of the ministry's strategy to push exports.
Officials have become tired of Veerasak's behaviour, because he does not work for the country, but only satisfies himself, the letters say.
Since assuming the position in February, Veerasak has gone abroad two or three times each month. Each mission has covered several countries and lasted five to 14 days.
Veerasak was appointed vice minister to relieve some of Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai's workload, but his agenda appears to be leading foreign junkets.
Porntiva has been informed about Veerasak's habits, but since he is backed by an influential figure from Bhum Jai Thai Party, she can do nothing about the problem.
Ministry records show Veerasak has led more than 10 foreign missions. The ministry estimates each member of his entourage spends at least Bt500,000 on airfare, accommodation, transportation and meals, Veerasak normally requests a five-star hotel, saying his level is as high as the minister's.
Since April, he has jetted off to many places on a budget supported by the department of Export Promotion, the Permanent Secretary's Office and each regional hub of the ministry. His destinations have spanned the globe: China, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Russia, Poland, Indonesia, South Africa, Germany, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and the United States.
He is now in Italy and France on an eight-day journey and planning to go to Russia, the Ukraine and Uzbekistan between next Wednesday to October 7.After that, he will fly to the Middle East, stopping in Oman, Qatar and the UAE.
Officials have not complained only about the expense for his many roadshows, but also his personal conduct, saying he usually asks for "personal services".
He has allegedly ordered junior officials to find local women at each destination. The officials must take care of his companions and pay for their services or taxis.
Although facing grievances, Veerasak continues to instruct officials to plan more foreign visits for him. He allows reporters to meet him only when he likes during his jaunts and has hired a personal media consultant to report to the public, to ensure he receives sufficient press exposure.
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