The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has referred the case of Dr Boon Vanasin, former chairman of SET-listed Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG), to the Anti-Money Laundering Office for further investigation.
Late Wednesday, the regulator said in a statement it asked public prosecutors to fine Dr Boon nearly 2.35 million baht after finding him guilty of allegedly releasing false statements that could affect THG's share price or investment decisions.
The SEC also banned him from holding an executive post at any security issuing firm for 42 months.
According to the SEC, between July 12 and Aug 4 last year, Dr Boon released statements to the media claiming that THG had bought Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer, with the first lot to be delivered to Thailand in July.
The SEC investigation found THG did not make such a purchase and Dr Boon later admitted the company could not import the vaccine.
Dr Boon, who resigned from his post at THG, has refused to pay the fine to date, prompting the SEC to take the case to public prosecutors.
Dr Boon told media outlets he is ready to defend himself, preparing evidence and claiming he did nothing wrong.
"We didn't do anything wrong. At that time, 20 million doses of the vaccine were booked, a chartered plane was booked and paid for, and the company is currently requesting a refund," he said.
"We still don't know whether we will receive a refund. At that time, THG was waiting for the government to sign permission for private vaccination imports.
"The previous share price was 37 baht and now it is 65-66 baht. Investors were not hurt if they bought the stock."
According to data from the Stock Exchange of Thailand, THG shares moved between 99.50 baht and 34.25 baht in one year.
Despite the SEC statement, shares of THG closed higher on the SET yesterday, up 0.38% to finish at 66.25 baht in trade worth 239 million baht.
