Two of four people reportedly named as "influential criminal figures" on a military document deny any wrongdoing, saying there is not a shred of truth to the allegation.
"That's ridiculous, and I'm wondering which [security] people think like that," former army specialist Gen Trairong Intaratat, better known as Seh Ice, said yesterday.
"By identifying someone as an influential thug, that person must be suspected of being involved in either the narcotics trade, bid price collusion, human trafficking or gambling. I'm not involved in any of these illegal activities," he said.
Gen Trairong, 67, said that he has kept a low profile and had dedicated much of his time to social work since he retired seven years ago.
Gen Trairong, who was said to have close ties to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was among four people mentioned in a leaked document from the 1st Division, King's Guard.
The document reportedly said they were "influential criminal figures" and the military unit was preparing information on their activities ahead of a meeting of the 1st Army's peace-keeping force today.
The three others named in the document are Karun Hosakul, a former Pheu Thai Party MP for Bangkok's Don Muang district; Capt Thammanat Prompao, a former close aide to Gen Trairong and said to be involved in several enterprises including lottery ticket distribution; and Chaisit Ngamsap, who is alleged to be connected to illegal activities in the Mor Chit area of Bangkok.
Capt Thammanat, a former military officer, said he had contacted 1st Division commander, Maj Gen Narong Jitkaew, to ask him about the document and was told the information came from an intelligence report and there were no plans to summon him.
"I think it's a report from low-level officers saying I used to be a lottery ticket dealer and that I was considered a hard-core red shirt. The truth is I'm not involved in politics and only focus on my businesses," he said.
"I want to appeal for justice for Seh Ice. He is ill with several ailments, so how can he be an influential figure?" he asked.
The other people listed on the document could not be reached for comment.