Bangkok: The opposition party has intensified its censure debate by questioning the "Alpine-Khao Kradong" land deal, accusing Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra of engaging in a sinful exchange involving temple land. Mr. Chulapong Yoo-kes, an MP from the Prachachon Party, has brought a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister, alleging misuse of power to benefit personally and prevent the return of temple land.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chulapong accused Ms. Paethongtarn of colluding with her family and using her father's political influence to stop the return of temple land held by Alpine Golf and Sports Club Co., Ltd. He alleged that Ms. Paethongtarn, a former director of the company, used her knowledge of the land's status to profit from it rather than ensuring its return to the temple as mandated by a court judgment. Mr. Chulapong claimed that her actions demonstrate a prioritization of personal gains over public and religious interests.
Mr. Chulapong further alleged that the Prime Minister is involved in negotiations with coalition parties to receive over 7 billion baht in compensation from the Land Department if the temple land transfer deed is revoked. He criticized Ms. Paethongtarn for lacking integrity and good governance, and for placing personal and familial interests above public welfare. He argued that these ongoing issues indicate a broader pattern of mutual assistance to prevent the land's return to the temple.
Mr. Chulapong also highlighted past actions by the Prime Minister's father, who allegedly concealed share ownership through nominees, a fact confirmed by a Constitutional Court verdict. This concealment was revealed, leading to a legal transfer of shares within the family. Mr. Chulapong questioned the legitimacy of these transfers and the subsequent ownership of temple land.
Pheu Thai MPs occasionally interrupted the debate, protesting the length of Mr. Chulapong's discussion. However, he continued, citing financial statements from Alpine Company that noted the problematic nature of the land's transfer. He accused the Prime Minister of knowingly exploiting temple land for personal gain, delaying the resolution of the transfer issues for political negotiations.
The Land Department has reportedly calculated damages related to the land, aligning with statements from the Prime Minister's father about potential compensation. Mr. Chulapong suggested that negotiations might involve other contentious land plots, such as those belonging to the Bhumjaithai Party, raising concerns about political benefit-sharing.
Mr. Chulapong argued against using taxpayer money to compensate for the return of temple land, emphasizing that the land in question legally belongs to the temple and cannot be transferred without a royal decree. He highlighted past illegalities in the land's transfer and criticized the Prime Minister for failing to resolve these issues, allowing personal and political interests to prevail.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Chulapong expressed a lack of confidence in Ms. Paethongtarn's leadership, citing her inability to separate personal, familial, and public interests. He called for the return of the land to the temple and criticized her for neglecting the law and court rulings, thus failing to uphold good governance.