Pop superstar Baitoey R Siam has admitted to being paid one million baht to perform at parties organised by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Baitoey R Siam has admitted that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra paid her 500,000 baht to perform at a party, on two occasions. (Photo by Seksan Rojjanametakun)
The famous singer and actress whose real name is Suteevan Taveesin, 26, is known for her trademark micro-shorts and sexy dancing.
She told reporters on Wednesday that she had performed for the former premier on two occasions and was paid 500,000 baht for each show.
She said Thaksin has good ties with her record label, RS, and that the label had selected her and other artists to perform at his parties.
"I performed at one of his parties in Hong Kong, where there were many politicians, as well as artists from different labels. I sang, dined and had a casual conversation with him," Baitoey said.
"He's a good man and he did not know me before, since he has been living abroad. I feel for him because he wants to listen to Thai songs and wants to return home, and I was just doing my job by making him feel like he was at home listening to Thai songs."
The celebrity added that she went shopping with one of Thaksin's aides after the party and got herself a brand-name handbag, and that his family gave her a discount for buying a 20-million baht house from SC Asset's Grand Bangkok Boulevard. SC Asset Corporation Plc, is the SET-listed property arm of the Shinawatra family.
When reporters asked her if she plans to put on any more personal shows for Thaksin, she said: "Travelling abroad is a profit in itself", adding: "I want people to see that I take responsibility in my job. We didn't do anything immoral. My work and personal life are separated."
Baitoey elevated to superstar status after the single Splash Out was released earlier this year. The music video has garnered more than 64 million views on YouTube since it was posted on May 1, 2013.
Thaksin's son Panthongtae "Oak" Shinawatra wrote on his Facebook page that Baitoey had sung karaoke with his father on two occasions in Hong Kong and Singapore, and that the last incident took place two years ago.
According to Oak, a brother of one of Thaksin's visitors knew Baitoey, so the visitor invited her to meet his father. At the time, Baitoey was not as famous as she is now, he added.
"My family, including my mother and sisters, understand the situation well and I was there every time when Baitoey came to perform," Oak wrote.
Oak also wrote that he hoped his father's opponents would not harass Baitoey over the incident.
Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal adviser, said he was present when Baitoey performed at an event in Singapore, adding that hundreds of people travel to meet the former prime minister.
"I can understand that artists have fees but the former premier does not know who paid for her," Mr Noppadon said.
Kampanart Tansithabudhkun, renowned psychiatrist and former host of a sex education TV programme, posted a Facebook message saying that he was told by a celebrity friend that a female singer - not Baitoey - was paid one million baht to meet the "man who everybody knows" and that her job was not to sing for him.
Dr Kampanart claimed that the singer travelled to the Middle East to meet the man, but said she did not simply go to sing and dine with him, rather that her job was to "put something in her mouth".
"After listening to the news today, I can't help but wonder if they fall into the same category," he said.