Prime Minister Chan-o-cha "covering for corrupt brother"
The relative of the prime minister, who is also an army general, won lucrative construction contracts for personal purposes. The prosecution of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra: "The Prime Minister should apply same justice to friends that he reserves for his political opponents."
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Thai Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, is being accused of trying to cover for his corrupt brother by using a double standard in his "fight against corruption". A scandal has been unleased after it was discovered that his brother, General Preecha Chan-o-cha, obtained a series of lucrative construction contracts from army chiefs, that he would use for personal purposes.
The general has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the contracts were fair and that there was no violation of the law. Nevertheless, the episode is tarnishing the image of the Prime Minister Chan-o-cha, who has always justified his 2014 coup with the need to free Thailand from years of political instability and corruption.
Upon returning from the trip to New York, where he attended the United Nations General Assembly, the head of the military junta defended himself: ""A brother is a brother, it's not the same as me," he said. "He is not stupid. But I do not make a guarantee for him because it is his responsibility".
The main criticism addressed to Prime Minister has come from Yingluck Shinawatra,, the first woman to become prime minister of Thailand in 2011 and deposed in May 2014 following the military coup. The woman was hit by a retroactive impeachment wanted by the junta and is facing trial on charges of "negligence", for her role in the controversial subsidy scheme for rice production.
In a post on her Facebook profile, she has written: ""The Prime Minister (Prayut) says that all the legal actions against me are based on the law and are not bullying. I would like the Prime Minister to apply the same logic and justice given to me like he gives justice and protection to his brother and other people who are on his side. Because the laws should be enforced for everyone, not just used only against my side".
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