Gen Udomdej Sitabutr has warned media and cartoonists about their reports and drawings on the Rajabhakti Park corruption scandal since he feels some of them might have violated a law.
"The park is a venerable place. But I've seen some media published drawings of the kings' statues. I already asked my team to save them for the record," the former army chief, who chairs a foundation which built the park honouring former Thai kings mostly from donations, said on Tuesday.
"As soldiers and state officials, whenever we see pictures of the people we adore, we give a wai. That's what we've been taught.
"Even when we see them in TV broadcasts, we wai a TV. I say this from the heart because that's what I always do," he said.
"But for those who published these news and drawings in a negative light, do you realise what law you're breaking?
"You must be careful, since we keep all the records and one day we'll go through it," he added.
The general also said in the future some people would have to pay for it as they have damaged the reputation of the highly revered place.
He also urged journalists to start reporting the good sides of the park after two months of negative reports.
"I want the media to stop reporting damaging news [about the park] because there's nothing damaging about it.
"Some ill-intentioned people might have set up a trap and it's time we got out of it," he said.
Whoever tries to cover their own wrongdoings by using this case to slander others is committing a grave sin, he added.
The Defence Ministry is conducting a probe into the alleged corruption and the result will be known on Wednesday.
Gen Udomdej said he did not worry about the investigation as he believes he will be treated fairly.
"I insist the army means well when it implements the project. We want to honour the institution that Thais honour the most. As our intention is good, our actions are good too," he said.
As for some inappropriate acts that were reported, he said it was not corruption.
He also thanked donors to the project. "We're grateful as they're confident of the army's good will. We're happy and proud to do it. Although the project might have been flawed, we'll continue to do our best to solve them because these people are waiting for the day when the park is completed."
