The heir to the Singha beer empire in Thailand has been dismissed after his brother accused him of a prolonged campaign of incestual sexual abuse. Environmental activist Siranudh Scott, 29, posted an emotional video alleging that his older brother, Sunit 'Pi' Scott, abused him between the ages of 12 and 24 in their family's mansions.
Family Accused of Cover-Up
Siranudh also called out his family, claiming they were aware of the abuse after he played them Sunit's taped confession but chose to conceal it. 'Everyone in my family knows it because they listened to the tape I recorded of his confession,' he said, but no action was taken. He declared that he no longer wished to be referred to as a 'Singha heir.'
'I don't want to stay in a family that doesn't value me or have empathy for me,' he added through tears. 'I can't live with this kind of people.'
Company Response
Sunit Scott had been 'dismissed' from all his positions, the conglomerate's parent company, Boonrawd Brewery Company, said in a statement. The company 'would like to express its deepest regret to Siranudh Scott for what happened,' it said, adding that it was cooperating with authorities in their investigations. The statement was signed by CEO Bhurit Bhirombhakdi, the two men's cousin.
Sunit also posted online a letter in which he said: 'In order to ensure fairness for all parties, I hereby resign from my duties as an employee and executive ... until the matter is clarified and conclusively proved.' He previously denied the accusations of sexual abuse but acknowledged roughhouse play between boys.
Family Background
The Bhirombhakdi family are listed as Thailand's 15th richest by Forbes, which estimates their net worth at US$1.75 billion. As well as Singha Beer, the group's other interests include food manufacturing, hotels, power, and property.
