MR Thongnoi could not be trusted : HRH Crown Prince's Secretary Office
In a strongly-worded statement, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajlalogkorn's secretary office has criticised press reports linking MR Tongnoi Tongyai, an official at the office, to an advisory role for Temasek Holdings and declared that Tongnoi was not a man to be trusted.
The statement has become one of the most dramatic chapters in the unfolding saga of Temasek takeover of Shin Corp that had led to the eventual downfall of former prime minsiter Thaksin Shinawatra.
In the statement, the HRH Crown Prince's Secretary Office said that Thongnoi's intention to make such claims was for his own benefits and caused damages not only for the country but for the international investment in Thailand.
It referred to earlier news reports that Temasek Holdings in Singapore had approached Thongnoi to be advisor for their Bangkok office that is going to open soon. The reports claimed that he was personal secretary and advisor to HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn since 2000.
The statement issued on Saturday said that the claims were groundless and were used as a channel to build up influences for Thongnoi's own benefits.
Earlier on Thursday, Temasek Holdings announced that MR Tongnoi Tongyai would not become the adviser for the company's local office in Thailand as reported.
"After thorough consideration, MR Tongnoi Tongyai and Temasek Holdings unanimously agree that MR Tongnoi will not be the adviser for Temasek's office which will be established in Thailand," Jimmy Phoon, senior managing director of the Singapore government investment arm, said in a press statement.
The announcement ends speculation that Temasek was trying to quash criticism over the morality of its investment in Thailand with the appointment of Tongnoi, who is a deputy principal private secretary to HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
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