Surayud: Khao Yai Thieng

PM denies owning train, costly home - Suruyud says he has declared all his assets
YUWADEE TUNYASIRI ANUCHA CHAROENPO
26 December 2006
Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has rejected as groundless an allegation he illegally possessed four decommissioned train carriages at a resort house with a swimming pool on a large block of land in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Gen Surayud said he did not own the house and old carriages shown in photos posted on a website.

He admitted he owned a 20-rai plot of land at Khao Yai Thiang mountain near the army-owned TV Channel 5 signal relaying station in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima. He said he bought the land from a "Mr Pao", who is now a monk, when he was the chief of Army Region 2.

The plot did not have a land ownership document but he had a document showing that he had paid taxes to the state for the use of the land.

There has been speculation that former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was behind moves to besmirch the prime minister. Gen Chavalit has denied involvement in any dirty tricks.

The prime minister expressed confidence yesterday that Gen Chavalit had played no part in false allegations brought against him. Gen Surayud, who was installed as prime minister after the Sept 19 coup-makers removed Thaksin Shinawatra from power, said he had declared his assets, including the block of land in Pak Chong, to the National Counter Corruption Commission.

He told reporters during their weekly meeting he was willing to take them to his house near Khao Yai Thiang.

Justice permanent secretary Charan Pakdithanakul told the same press conference the prosecution recently decided to drop lese majeste charges against Mr Thaksin.
Mr Thaksin had said in his weekly radio address before he was removed from power that he would resign if the King "whispers in my ear" to do so.