Former minister summoned over Facebook post
Watana Muangsook, a key Pheu Thai figure and former commerce minister, was detained by the Army yesterday after he posted a comment on Facebook accusing Deputy PM General Prawit Wongsuwan of discrimination and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCP
His whereabouts were not disclosed as of 6pm Wednesday, while the party issued a statement yesterday demanding Watana’s immediate release.
Prawit explained that he had to summon Watana because his Facebook post was untrue, adding that he did not know how long the former minister will be held as it was up to the NCPO. He went on to say that the Army “may have just invited the former commerce minister to have a meal together”.
Promising that he would adhere to the law when dealing with Watana, Prawit said “I told him earlier not to attack others. So don’t blame me. I’m not blaming anybody. But if someone keeps making false allegations and they do it 100 times, they will be summoned 100 times. And the next time the summonses could possibly last three to seven days.”
NCPO spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree said Watana’s post was in reference to certain figures and organisations, which could lead to people misunderstanding the NCPO, which is why he had to be summoned for “a talk”.
