Theera denies family benefit
Theera Haocharoen yesterday denied that someone in his family would benefit from the renewal of State Railway of Thailand's ground lease to mall developer Central Pattana, saying that he was ready to give up his Cabinet portfolio if that turned out to be true.
"Upon my honour and reputation, that person is not my wife," Theera said. Central Pattana - the retail development arm of the Central Group - leases a prime site on Phaholyothin Road in Bangkok's Lat Phrao district from the rail authority. The lease expires next year, and it has been reported that Central Pattana will be allowed to renew it. Theera said the company's request to extend the lease had drawn interest from several people and was seen as having many benefits involved. To make the proceedings transparent, the ministry has asked the Council of State and Attorney-General's Office to comment on whether the lease comes under the Public-Private Joint Venture Act. "Whatever the outcome, the ministry will follow it," he said, adding that the ministry would also complete the bidding procedures for a new lessee this year. Watcharapong Thongrung The Nation
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