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Published on September 8, 2007

Pramote Phongphromraj said the 542-page document would clearly demonstrate Thaksin's reasons for initiating the lottery, which has been under scrutiny by the current government. It will explain how its proceeds were legally spent and how its operation was lawful.

The document comprises 78 pages of Thaksin's explanation and another 464 pages featuring related documents and other evidence.

Pramote said the AEC had told him that its investigation into the lottery would be completed by the end of the month.

In the document, Thaksin issued a nine-point summary in his defence, saying the lottery in question was no different from all other government lotteries ever issued, and that only poor people and those in need benefited fully from it.

He also said the lottery had discouraged operators of underground lotteries and resulted in them scaling down their operations during his tenure.

"The two- and three-digit lottery brought back around Bt320 billion each year to Thai society from those illegal operators," he said.

The former PM said the Surayud Chulanont government's decision to operate a new lottery similar to the one he initiated was a clear testimony that his idea worked, while hardcore punters still wanted it to be continued and regularly showed there was demand for it.

The Nation