Piyanat takes MP to task on ouster bid

'Improper' to move against graft panel

Thai Rak Thai's Piyanat Watcharaporn yesterday said Charnchai Chairungrueng's attempts to oust members of the graft busting panel were improper and politically motivated.

Mr Piyanat said the Maha Sarakham MP was asked to seek the ouster of the National Counter Corruption Commission members by followers of Luangta Maha Bua, led by Thongkorn Wongsamut.

He said Mr Charnchai's actions could not be justified since everyone was aware of Mr Thongkorn's alliances and connections.

"Whatever move he takes, everyone will know its direction," Mr Piyanat said.

The party-list MP also criticised efforts by Wasant Pothipimpanont, owner of Benz Thonglor, to collect signatures to pressure the Constitutional Court into postponing its verdict on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He was unhappy at attempts by several other groups to put pressure on the court and said such actions were highly improper.

The prime minister was said to be angry that Mr Piyanat questioned the motives of certain people who called for the postponement of the court ruling.

Mr Piyanat, a former deputy House speaker, said he raised his concerns with good intentions and did not want the premier, his party leader, to be flattered by people around him.

"I just want to caution the premier to think hard about the country's principles and rules, which have to be followed to avoid damaging the nation," the veteran Si Sa Ket politician said.