PARTY DISSOLUTIONS / THAI RAK THAI CASE

Thammarak's close aide denies bankrolling small parties

MANOP THIP-OSOD

Phadungsak Klansanoh, a close aide of a former Thai Rak Thai executive member, yesterday told the Constitution Tribunal he was not involved in hiring small parties during the April 2, 2006, election where poll fraud was alleged. Lt-Gen Phadungsak, who works for former Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, said he was gathering details to file suit against those who implicated him in poll fraud. Thai Rak Thai was accused of hiring smaller parties to field candidates in constituencies where its candidates were likely to be the sole contestants.

''The allegations made by Mrs Thattima [Pavalee] and Mr Suthep [Thaugsuban] damaged my reputation,'' he said.

Mrs Thattima, Phaendin Thai secretary-general, and Mr Suthep, Democrat secretary-general, have accused Lt-Gen Phadungsak of giving cash to Mrs Thattima on March 5 last year to hire her party in the alleged election fraud scam.

Lt-Gen Phadungsak also denied meeting Phaendin Thai party executives a day earlier , telling the tribunal that on that day he spent most of his time at his younger brother's house and at his own home.

Another witness testifying yesterday was ex-secretary-general of the Election Commission (EC) Ekkachai Warunprapha.

Pol Maj-Gen Ekkachai, who served as EC chief from 2004 to 2006, said he did not know the details of the investigation report on the alleged election fraud by an EC probe panel led by Nam Yimyaem.

He also denied having seen reports on the case compiled by other probe panels.

Yesterday's hearing was the 13th in the election fraud case laid against Thai Rak Thai and four other political parties by the Office of the Attorney-General.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Wednesday April 11, 2007