MP Thamanat: I am not connected to any Chinese involved in shady business
Phayao MP Captain Thamanat Prompow insisted he has no connection with a group of Chinese investors who are believed to be behind shady businesses in Thailand, including illegal casinos and gambling dens.
In an audio clip released on Thursday, Thamanat, former deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives minister, was responding to media rumours that he has “close ties” with the Chinese investors.
“This year I turned 58. I have travelled to several countries and made acquaintances with people from various nationalities, including Westerners, Chinese, Indian and more,” said the MP from the Thai Economic Party.
“I was also engaged in different businesses before becoming a politician. However, I have never conducted any shady business with Chinese investors,” Thamanat maintained.
Thamanat said as a politician he is ready to be investigated as per the law’s requirements.
He asked the media not to associate him with shady individuals without proof, as it would only hurt his reputation. Instead, the media should focus on presenting news that benefit the public and is fair to all involved, he said.
“It’s better to present news based on verified information than to be later sued in court,” Thamanat warned, adding that he has recorded all evidence of possible defamation against him.
The news of shady Chinese investors caught media attention after a police crackdown on a drug party in Bangkok’s Sathorn area last month, with more than 200 Chinese nationals being arrested.
The so-called restaurant/karaoke joint is now being investigated for involvement in drug trafficking and money-laundering operations possibly being run by foreign gangs.
