While workers march, bosses attend key meetings

G Steel founder Somsak Leeswadtrakul was seen at the Industry Ministry on that day.

Given that Somsak rarely makes public appearances, his appearance convinced reporters at the ministry that something important must be going on in the meeting room with Industry Minister Suwit Khunkitti and other officials.

This perception was buoyed by the fact that so many giant steelmakers have recently shown interest in establishing steel mills in Thailand in accordance with the Board of Investment's policy to promote investment in the manufacturing of high-quality upstream steel to support the expanding automobile industry.

They include ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker and a Fortune Global 500 company, Japan's Nippon Steel and JFE Steel, South Korea's Posco Steel and Baosteel from China.

The entry of these giants would certainly trouble local steelmakers like G Steel and Sahaviriya. Earlier, the BoI said that Sahaviriya Steel Industries had expressed interest in an upstream steel blast furnace but could not win tax incentives.

Somsak, a steel industry veteran, must have followed this news closely. As a competitor, he tries to know Sahaviriya's every move.

He cancelled an overseas trip to attend the meeting at the ministry, based on the belief that Sahaviriya president Win Viriyaprapaikit would be present. What if Win were to attend the meeting and ask for favours? That must have been what Somsak was afraid of.

Somsak was overheard to utter a surprised comment when he saw no sign of Win in the meeting room. "Who told me that Khun Win would be here?" he grumbled.

Representing Win was an executive from Sahaviriya.

After the meeting was adjourned, no one in the room was ready to share what was discussed.

"There was nothing to talk about," said one participant.

Phew!

It's hard to believe, but that's what happened. Now reporters know that Somsak's presence does not always mean big news for readers.

Note: As the writer is out of town, the column will return next Tuesday.