• 
• 

Published on April 19, 2008

YOSSAWADEE HONGTHONG, PANYA THIEWSANGWAN

THE NATION

The content of the letter was part of a smear campaign against the opposition Democrats and the Privy Council, including royal chief adviser General Prem Tinsulanonda.

"About every three days, these unsigned letters have been sent to ranking Democrats, and the government is fully aware of this," Democrat assistant secretary-general Thepthai Senpong said.

Thepthai said the circulation of the letters was indicative of a concerted effort to drive a wedge between rival sections of society. He blamed the government for turning a blind eye, as if it were condoning the smear campaign.

Thepthai said that the message contained in the leaflets was similar to anti-coup speeches made at rallies organised by the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, and PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair should be familiar with it, as he was involved with DAAD activities before joining the government.

The government had no justification for allowing the spread of lies through leaflets and underground publications, such as the book "Kon Kruad Nai Rong Prabat" ("Pebbles in the Royal Shoes"), which attacked Prem, he said.

A website, Hi-Thaksin.com, has actively promoted these underground books, he said.

Reacting to Thepthai's remarks, Jakrapob said he wanted rumour-mongers to stop causing divisiveness.

First there was a smear campaign to foment distrust between Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, he said, noting that another campaign has since been started to pitch the government against the Privy Council.