Chayan Inson, a co-ordinator for an anti-Thaksin Shinawatra group known as the Isaan Liberation Front, alleged that Pinij intentionally concealed both his and his family's assets and said the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NCCC) should verify the former minister's assets.

In the declaration document, Pinij said he was single - but had actually lived with his wife Noree Suksawat for 10 years, with whom he had two children.

Pinij intentionally refused to reveal his marriage so he could put his assets in the names of his wife and children, Chayan claimed.

Noree accompanied Pinij to social parties and was widely known as "Pinij's wife".

His daughter's school registration also stated that she was Pinij's daughter.

He said Pinij told the NCCC he had Bt4 million of debt, but the creditor, TNN Engineering Supply, belonged to Noree.

Pinij also said he had two buildings worth Bt8 million, but his family compound in Nong Khai had at least five buildings including his office, which he used as a venue to meet with members of his Wang Phayanak faction.

The buildings were worth at least Bt100 million, said Chayan.

Pinij also owned a timber plant and a resort named after his children, he said.

According to the law, Pinij should have declared assets that listed as belonging to his

wife Noree and another board member of TNN Engineering, Chayan said.

Thaikorn Polsuwan, leader of the Isaan Liberation Front, accompanied Chayan to file documents at the NCCC yesterday.

Pinij is now a member of the National Legislative Assembly.

He was a former deputy Thai Rak Thai leader before resigning last year.

Another key Thai Rak Thai member, Suwat Liptapanlop, and his 29-member Lam Ta Kong faction announced this month that they were resigning from Thai Rak Thai.

Suwat, whose voter base is also in the Northeast, said he had discussed whether the Ta Kong and Wang Phayanak should form a political alliance.

However, Pinij said the outcome was still unclear.

Hassaya Chartmontri

The Nation