Anupong denies CNS TV project improper
A Council for National Security (CNS) member yesterday dismissed allegations of irregularity involving a project to produce short television documentaries to promote the CNS's causes.
General Anupong Phaochinda, assistant secretary-general of the CNS, defended himself against allegations that appeared on hi-thaksin.net. The website supports the previous administration of Thaksin Shinawatra. Anupong had approved a request by a CNS unit to produce a series of short documentaries titled "Phrungnee Tong Dee Kwa" (Tomorrow Must Be Better). A source said the project would require about Bt2.2 million for production costs. The hi-thaksin.net website said that at least Bt20 million would be spent to produce and broadcast the documentaries. Anupong, who is also assistant commander-in-chief of the Army and a leading contender for the top Army seat, said procurement and hiring in the project was transparent and had been scrutinised by the Auditor-General's Office. "This is no big deal. [The allegation] is just trivial," he said yesterday. He said no funds had been approved for the project and that his endorsement was just a request for the funding. Lt-General Jariya Thongpab, who heads the CNS unit that requested the budget, yesterday said the Army was investigating to find the culprits behind the allegation.
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