Chaiyasit seeks royal pardon over 'King's Cup' claim
General Chaiyasit Shinawatra, cousin of former premier Thaksin yesterday said on Friday he had submitted a letter to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary asking for a royal pardon saying the boxing match did not provide a "King's Cup\
The controversy erupted on Sunday after state-run Channel 11 aired a boxing match from Macao presided over by Thaksin, a fugitive who made a speech rebutting critics who questioned his loyalty to the Thai monarchy.
Chaiyasit organised the match, in which a “King’s Cup” was touted as the coveted prize.
Chaiyasit said organiser Pol Lt Colonel Kulthon Prachuapmoh falsely announced that the trophy was a "King's Cup".
He denied Thaksin's involvement in the mistake.
A source, who asked not to be named, said Chaiyasit had used the title “King’s Cup” without prior authorisation and the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary demanded that Chaiyasit issue a letter asking for a royal pardon.
According to the source, the office, however, has refused to provide information on the case.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) yesterday assigned a subcommittee to look into a controversial broadcast by fugitive former premier Thaksin aired on local television.
“The subcommittee will gather more information on the case,” an informed source said.
It said the next meeting on the issue would take place on January 7.
NBTC member Supinya Klangnarong raised the issue at the broadcast and telecom regulator’s meeting yesterday.
