Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin on Tuesday apologised to a reporter after a tense exchange over questions about a corruption survey involving the Pollution Control Department (PCD).
Mr Suchart appeared irritated when being questioned about findings that the PCD was the state agency with the highest average alleged bribe payments. The survey was conducted by the Zero Corruption working group on transparency in public administration.
The findings claimed the department recorded the country's highest average bribe value per incident at 102,160 baht.
During the encounter at Government House before a cabinet meeting, the reporter repeatedly pressed Mr Suchart on why the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had not immediately launched a formal investigation, instead of publicly rejecting the poll's credibility.
The minister defended the department, arguing that the agency functions mainly as a technical body and lacks the authority to issue permits or directly approve factory operations.
As questions intensified, Mr Suchart compared the situation to defending one's own children against accusations without evidence. The journalist countered that protecting subordinates before conducting an investigation undermined confidence in accountability mechanisms.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense when the same reporter asked whether the ministry had actually initiated an internal probe. Mr Suchart insisted he had instructed the ministry's permanent secretary to summon the poll organisers and demand supporting evidence.
After the interaction ended, Mr Suchart walked towards the reporter and brushed shoulders with him as they passed. The reporter protested, prompting the minister to tell the reporter, "You've got no idea who you're dealing with."
Mr Suchart later went to the media room to apologise in person after the cabinet meeting. He admitted he had spoken improperly and understood that the reporter had intended to raise the issues in good faith.
The reporter accepted the apology and said there was no personal issue.
