Thai PM Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Delayed Divestment of Golf Club Shares

[webfact]

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under legal scrutiny after political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana filed a petition with the Election Commission (EC), questioning her delayed divestment of shares in Alpine Golf and Sports Club.

 

Ruangkrai alleges that Paetongtarn held a 30% stake in the club until September 3, two weeks after assuming office as prime minister.

 

Thai law prohibits ministers from holding more than 5% of shares in any company to prevent conflicts of interest. Paetongtarn, also leader of the Pheu Thai Party, transferred her shares to her mother, Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, after taking office.

 

Ruangkrai urged the EC to expedite the investigation and announced plans to file a similar complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

 

This petition is one of 13 filed so far against Paetongtarn and the Pheu Thai Party, six of which were initiated by Ruangkrai, all alleging corruption or ethical violations.

Land Controversy

Alpine Golf and Sports Club, linked to the Shinawatra family, has been embroiled in a long-standing controversy over its land holdings in Pathum Thani province. The land, initially donated to a temple in 1971, was later sold to Alpine Real Estate and Alpine Golf and Sports Club under questionable circumstances. The Council of State ruled the sale illegal, as the land was classified as monastic property.

 

In 2017, former Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in facilitating the sale. His appeal was unsuccessful, and although he was released in 2020 on health grounds, he was required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet until the completion of his sentence, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Ruangkrai’s latest petition adds further legal pressure on Paetongtarn, as demands for a thorough investigation continue to rise.

 

FILE photo courtesy: Siam Rath

 

-- 2024-10-02

 

[Gottfrid]

51 minutes ago, webfact said:

rime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under legal scrutiny after political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana filed a petition with the Election Commission (EC), questioning her delayed divestment of shares in Alpine Golf and Sports Club.

Even if the whole election from start to know has been a total joke, it really looks like Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, has to get a new hobby. The guy is totally sucked in and hooked on Paetongtarn. I believe she did what she should, and a couple of days should not need to be talked about. It´s better this guy put all his time to deal with Taksin and fake hospital and such things, instead of making a fool of himself.