Korkaew defends Natthawut's qualification as minister

Deputy Prime Minister Natthawut Saikua is grappling with his past after the Office of Ombudsman has questioned his compliance on ethics in connection with his involvement in the redshirt protests in 2010.

Opponents call for his exit from the Cabinet while his supporters say past street protests have no bearing on the job qualifications.

Pheu Thai MP Kokaew Pikulthong stepped forward Friday to defend Natthawut, saying the ombudsman was unfair to draw conclusion before proven guilty.

"Article 39 of the Constitution clearly stipulates the presumption of innocence and Natthawut has not been convicted of any wrongdoings," he said.

Kokaew said Natthawut was a democracy advocate and his charges on terrorism were trumped-up.

The Nation