PM denies receiving B250 million

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PM denies receiving B250 million

Published: 12/02/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has denied receiving an illegal 250 million baht donation from former Matchimathipataya leader Prachai Leophairatana. The donation is among claims the opposition is preparing to ''expose'' in a no-confidence debate against the government.

The opposition will also file a motion seeking the impeachment of the prime minister, a move the biggest opposition party, Puea Thai, believes will deliver a knock-out blow to the Democrat-led government.

But Mr Abhisit yesterday insisted there was no donation to ''me or my close aides''.

Deputy Prime Minister and Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban also insisted no donation had been made.

Election Commission member Sodsri Sattayatham yesterday said the EC would look into the allegation as soon as it received a complaint.

The EC would seek the cooperation of the Anti-Money Laundering Office to follow the money trail if a complaint was made.

The accusation was first aired last December when United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship leader Nattawut Saikua accused the Democrat party of receiving a 250 million baht donation from cement giant TPI Polene Plc, founded by Prachai Leophairatana.

Political parties are barred from receiving donations from individuals or companies of more than 10 million baht a year.

TPI allegedly transferred money to the party through a small printing company.

Among TPI's executives are Taikorn Polsuwan, a member of the Democrat party. Mr Taikorn is said to be a close aide of Mr Suthep.

''That [printing] company does exist, but it was only hired to make advertising boards for the party during election campaigns,'' said Democrat party-list MP Nipon Boonyamanee.

The company's offices are in a two-storey townhouse in Pathum Thani's Lam Luk Ka district. Media reports say the company, which was registered in October 2000, was later declared bankrupt by the Central Bankruptcy Court.

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Dr. Doom

Discussion 3 : 16/02/2009 at 02:18 AM3
Dear Post,

Here is another one. Comment #3 is the same individual as in the other columns. It has nothing to do with the article. He is just hijacking your post.

Please note any article with his lengthy comments, no one else wants to comments.
timjack

Discussion 2 : 12/02/2009 at 09:58 AM2
PB Mr Editor,
With respect, you delete to many comments on your stories.
Where have all the posts gone from last night?

Too much political pressure again.

"Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has denied receiving an illegal 250 million baht donation from former Matchimathipataya leader Prachai Leophairatana."

Sure he would deny this, well all believe him, don't we.
As someone said last night, which you deleted,
"Where there is smoke there is fire"

Again the press appear to be under the thump of political pressure!
Somboon

Discussion 1 : 12/02/2009 at 04:31 AM1
My question is, does the EC have the guts to impartially investigate without prejudice and preconceived thoughts? I must admit, it appears that the government, Army, the judicial, police, and everyone else are together in this. They are to make sure that the Abhisit government will survive since he is considered the "cleanest" of them all. If facts are discovered, who is to decide? Who is to enforce? What is next to do? Who is in line, next?

What I would like to see is the land reform investigation of Suthep and his family.

Investigations must be transparency regardless of status and wealth but based on facts!

Dr. Doom

Discussion 3 : 16/02/2009 at 02:18 AM3

Dear Post,

Here is another one. Comment #3 is the same individual as in the other columns. It has nothing to do with the article. He is just hijacking your post.

Please note any article with his lengthy comments, no one else wants to comments.

timjack

Discussion 2 : 12/02/2009 at 09:58 AM2

PB Mr Editor,
With respect, you delete to many comments on your stories.
Where have all the posts gone from last night?

Too much political pressure again.

"Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has denied receiving an illegal 250 million baht donation from former Matchimathipataya leader Prachai Leophairatana."

Sure he would deny this, well all believe him, don't we.
As someone said last night, which you deleted,
"Where there is smoke there is fire"

Again the press appear to be under the thump of political pressure!

Somboon

Discussion 1 : 12/02/2009 at 04:31 AM1

My question is, does the EC have the guts to impartially investigate without prejudice and preconceived thoughts? I must admit, it appears that the government, Army, the judicial, police, and everyone else are together in this. They are to make sure that the Abhisit government will survive since he is considered the "cleanest" of them all. If facts are discovered, who is to decide? Who is to enforce? What is next to do? Who is in line, next?

What I would like to see is the land reform investigation of Suthep and his family.

Investigations must be transparency regardless of status and wealth but based on facts!

PM denies receiving B250 million