The future of Thailand's biggest private sector organisation, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), is in limbo as the federation now has two chairmen, and both sides claim legitimacy in their position.
FTI chairman Payungsak Chartsutthipol insisted on Tuesday that he remains in charge, despite a vote by members to replace him at a meeting on Monday.
The FTI's scheduled monthly meeting on Monday at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre was attended by 182 of the total 348 committee members, and 139 voted to remove Mr Payungsak from the post of the chairman. They cited his failure to insist the government delay the scheduled minimum daily wage hike to 300 baht nationwide on Jan 1.
The members in attendance chose former chairman Santi Vilassakdanont to return to the post of FTI chairman. Mr Santi, an executive of the consumer giant Saha Group, was the FTI head before Mr Payungsak, whose current second term ends in March 2014.
Payungsak Chartsutthipol (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)
Mr Payungsak said on Tuesday the meeting did not comply with the FTI's regulations. He, as the chairman, had earlier, over the weekend, ordered the postponement of the meeting.
"I remain the FTI chairman and will remain so for the rest of the term," he said. "Those who might have a different opinion can seek other means if they want to remove the chairman."
Hopever, FTI secretary-general Sommat Khunset said the meeting on Nov 26 to elect Mr Santi was legal. Mr Payungsak misunderstood in believing that the authority to remove the chairman rests only with the FTI's general meeting, with a two thirds of the vote from members in attendance.
"In fact, this regulation applies only to the appointment of the FTI's directors, while the removal of the chairman and the board of directors can be decided by the FTI's directors," he said.
Mr Sommat said his side will not take the matter to court because Monday's decision was legal under the FTI's regulations and the process to put Mr Santi into office was underway.
Mr Santi has to appoint new deputies, a secretary-general, treasurer and registrar. It was expected that the chairmen of the 40 industry sector clubs within the federation would remain the same.
The FTI was established under the Federation of Thai Industries Act BE 2530 (CE 1987) under the supervision of the Industry Ministry. It currently has over 7,500 corporate members.
Related search: Federal of Thai Industries, FTI, Payungsak Chartsuthipol, Santi Vilassakdanont
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/27/factions-battle-to-control-the-fti/
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