Anti-corruption activist Srisuwan Janya says he will let Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha know the Year of the Dog is almost here by filing a complaint against him for giving expensive puppies as gifts to two senior cabinet members.
Mr Srisuwan, secretary-general of the Thai Constitution Protection Association, said Tuesday he intends to file a petition with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against the premier for giving inappropriate gifts.
The complaint would also name Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda and Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya for violating Section 103 of the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption Act.
Section 103 prohibits political office-holders from receiving gifts with a value of more than 3,000 baht.
During a mobile cabinet trip to Phitsanulok on Dec 25, the prime minister purchased three puppies from a group of local Bang Kaew dog breeders. One puppy was for him and the two others were for Gen Anupong and Gen Chatchai. The price of each dog was 6,000 baht.
However, the prime minister offered to pay more to give moral support to the group running the dog breeding business.
Bang Kaew is one of the country's most famous dogs breeds which originated in the province. The dogs are well-known for their loyalty to their owner, and for being very aggressive towards strangers.
Mr Srisuwan alleged the prime minister breached the anti-graft law related to misconduct by giving an improper gift to people holding political positions. Meanwhile, the other two violated Section 103 for accepting the gifts.
"This is not a small thing. The prime minister must do the right thing otherwise other state officials will follow the wrong path. The anti-graft commission must do its job," he said.
According to the NACC, if a political office-holder is the recipient of a gift and needs to accept it to maintain ties, he or she must inform and seek their superior's permission. If the receiver is a top agency official or higher, they must inform and seek permission from those with the power to appoint or impeach them, or the NACC.
As of Tuesday, the puppies had not been delivered.