Boonlert admits audio clip of Thaksin 'insulting monarchy' was altered

Boonlert admits audio clip of Thaksin 'insulting monarchy' was altered

Former Pitak Siam leader Boonlert Kaewprasit Tuesday insisted that an audio clip played during the anti-government group's Nov 24 rally was authentic, though confessed some parts of the recording had been altered.

Gen Boonlert claims the clip is a recording of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra making insulting remarks about the monarchy.

Thaksin appeared on Channel 11 on Sunday night, saying that the clip had been manufactured to fuel allegations that he is an anti-monarchist.

Gen Boonlert, also known as Seh Ai, yesterday affirmed the audio clip was genuine, but said some parts of the recording had been removed.

"I had some parts cut out because I don't think the public could take it whole. I can't either." Gen Boonlert said some people would want Thaksin dead if they heard the whole thing.

He shrugged off speculation that Thaksin would sue him over the recording, adding that he was not intimidated by the ex-premier's clout.

Gen Boonlert said Thaksin's appearance on Channel 11 indicated that the ex-premier was desperate to return home.

"He is dying to come back home and he is selfishly using state-run TV [to serve his own interests]," the retired general said.

Gen Boonlert challenged Thaksin to turn himself in and serve his two-year jail term for abuse of power to show that he accepted Thai law. By doing so, he would be eligible to apply for a royal pardon.

"Or as a rich man he can hire people to stage a coup for him," the retired general said.

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