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Published on October 27, 2007

"Before taking any action, the government factored in legal advice from relevant agencies and was obliged to abide by an injunction of the Central Administrative Court to keep on broadcasting during the concession conversion," she said.

The Office of the Attorney-General, the Finance Ministry, the PM's Office which oversees the concession, the Comptroller-General's Office and several top legal advisers vetted every step of the conversion procedures and backed each decision, she said.

The National Counter Corruption Commission decided to look into the matter on Thursday and formed a panel led by member Klanarong Chantik to determine whether there was any foul play.

The Klanarong panel is expected to focus on a central allegation that the government unfairly retained iTV employees following the concession conversion without granting access for other applicants to get the job.

The panel will examine the roles of Dhipavadee, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, PM's Office permanent secretary Julayuth Hiranyavisith and Public Relations Department director-general Pramoj Rathavinij in the case.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, meanwhile, said he thought the iTV conversion had been processed in a transparent manner and was aimed at protecting the interests of the state and iTV staff.

Surayud said he was ready to testify before the NCCC over his decision on the concession conversion - if or when he was required. 

 The Nation