Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday dismissed reports linking him to a supposed Thai-Chinese project to dig a waterway called the Kra canal in southern Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
According to reports spreading online, Gen Chavalit signed a memorandum of cooperation on the project with Chinese businessmen on May 15 in the Chinese city of Guangzhou.
There is also a picture of him supposedly signing the contract with Chinese businessmen circulating on social media.
Chavalit: Blames illintentioned people
In the background is a sign that reads, "China-Thailand Kra Infrastructure Investment & Development Co Ltd."
"The false report is the work of ill-intended people. The report is totally fabricated," Gen Chavalit told reporters at his residence yesterday.
Gen Chavalit denied being in China on May 15, saying he was celebrating his 83rd birthday with friends and family in Thailand.
He said the picture being circulated online had in fact been taken on April 10 in Thailand during a meeting between him and some Chinese businessmen.
He said the meeting covered a wide range of construction projects and the Kra project was mentioned in passing only.
The China Daily Mail published a report on its website last Sunday which stated that a memorandum of cooperation for a feasibility study for the construction of the Kra canal had been signed in Guangzhou by various parties.
The report said the canal was intended to help boost links between the two countries by allowing shipping to bypass the Malacca Strait.
The Thai and Chinese governments strongly denied any agreement had been signed.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that no such plan existed.
Media reports linking Gen Chavalit to the Kra canal project came after the former premier last week told well wishers at an event to celebrate his 83rd birthday that he was ready to lead the country again if people wanted him to solve national problems. Earlier reports also linked him to the Samui bombing last month.