By Thai Newsroom Reporters
AGRICULTURE & COOPERATIVES MINISTER Thammanat Prompao said today (Dec.4) a famed social activist had allegedly been offered a huge payoff in exchange for hush-hush help for an unnamed “big shot” over pork smuggling scandals.
Thammanat said he had seen a video clip of an unidentified customs official offering 10 million baht in kickback cash to the social activist, only identified by an initial Thor in Thai alphabet, on condition that he help keep the unidentified, influential person from alleged involvement in pork smuggling rackets.
The agriculture minister declined to comment whether the “big shot” in question may have been politically connected, either currently or previously, whilst the kickback-offered activist has already been known.
Thammanat said the authorities are tracking down the unidentified, influential person who had allegedly unduly benefited from the smuggling and illegal trading of pork, some of which could possibly be supplied to discount store chains in addition to neighbourhood food markets.
The pork smuggling scandals allegedly prompted a surprise transfer of Suriya Singhakamon from the post of director-general of the Department of Special Investigation a few days after he had led a raid on a Makro discount store in a crackdown on smuggled meats.
However, the management of the major discount store categorically dismissed alleged involvement in the smuggling scandals which had been earlier said to have also involved an unidentified former cabinet member, among others.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page: Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Thammanat Prompao, right, and Deputy Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Chaiya Phromma, left, inspecting some smuggled pork last month. Both photos: Thai Rath
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