PM denies land interference

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has denied interference in the handling of two high-profile land dispute cases — one involving Alpine Real Estate and Alpine Golf and Sports Club in Pathum Thani and the other pertaining to the Khao Kradong in Buri Ram — for her own benefit.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA, AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

On the first day of the censure debate yesterday, Ms Paetongtarn explained her family had legally acquired the Alpine land when she was 11 years old.

She was no longer executive of the company owning the land, the PM said, responding to the censure allegation levelled against her by the opposition.

Earlier in the day, Sutham Jaritngam, an MP for the main opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PP), had accused the premier of exercising her power as executive in an attempt to delay the return of the Alpine land to Wat Thamikararam Worawihan, a Buddhist temple, as instructed by the court, for as long as possible for her and her family’s own benefit.

Mr Sutham suggested the delay may have been the result of Ms Paetongtarn transferring shares in the company to her mother, Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra.