The National Anti Corruption Commission on Tuesday challenged ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to show evidence to back up his allegation that an NACC member had asked him for a bribe in 1999.
The graft-busting agency was responding to a remark by Mr Thaksin made during his hour-long Sunday night Skype address to red-shirt supporters at a rally at Ratchaprasong intersection.
Mr Thaksin claimed that in 1999 an officer attached to the NACC - whom he identified only as "App" - allegedly asked for 600 million baht from him, in exchange not to prosecute him in the share-concealment case. Thaksin said he turned down the offer.
A statement released by the NACC said that after the alleged bribery, Mr Thaksin later became Thailand's 23rd prime minister for two terms, but never mentioned the so-called bribe or took any legal action against "App". It is still possible to assign a lawyer and file a lawsuit over the alleged bribe demand, the statement advised.
The NACC called on the self-exiled Thaksin to present credible evidence to the general public instead of making "a groundless accusation" which hurt the reputation and image of the agency and the feelings of its staff.
The NACC has retained a strong commitment to neutrality and justice, and serves as an independent organisation on which the people could depend, the statement said.
Around 26,000 red shirts packed the Ratchaprasong area on Sunday evening to watch and listen to Thaksin as he spoke by Skype from Dubai. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
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