Thaksin steps in to resolve row between Santi, Prawat

Thaksin steps in to resolve row between Santi, Prawat

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has stepped in to end the row between Pheu Thai list MP Prawat Uttamote and Social Development and Human Security Minister Santi Prompat.

Mr Prawat and Mr Santi have been in conflict over Mr Santi's decision to transfer permanent secretary for social development and human security Panita Kambhu na Ayutthaya to an inactive post on March 13 to pave the way for a probe into her alleged misspending of 32 million baht in overseas travel funds.

Ms Panita is Mr Prawat's sister. Mr Prawat last week accused Mr Santi of abuse of power and demanded the minister step down.

He also threatened to organise a petition to demand the ouster of Mr Santi.

In a bid to mend the rift between the two men, Yaowapa Wongsawat, the leader of a faction within Pheu Thai, yesterday asked Thaksin to intervene.

Ms Yaowapa, also Thaksin's younger sister, invited Mr Prawat to her office.

She made a phone call to Thaksin overseas and let Mr Prawat talk to him, a Pheu Thai source present at the discussions said.

"I will take care of matters and will ensure justice for both sides," the source quoted Thaksin as saying.

Thaksin also said he wanted Mr Santi and Mr Prawat to wait for the results of the disciplinary probe into Ms Panita's alleged misspending, the source said.

The probe panel is chaired by PM's Office permanent secretary Thongthong Chandrangsu. Mr Prawat has agreed to accept Thaksin's conditions.

Mr Prawat and Mr Santi were expected to face off at yesterday's meeting of Pheu Thai MPs but Mr Santi did not show up.

Party spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said the issue was not on the agenda as party executives had cleared up the conflict.

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