The head of security in charge of protection for the Sultan of Brunei said yesterday that Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah did not stay at a home owned by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while here for the Asean Summit.
Commander Kongkiart Natthavong said his team provided security for the Sultan during his stay in Thailand from October 22-25 and that the national leader only stayed at accommodation provided by the government and went only to Asean functions.
"It was my duty to accompany him and I had to go everywhere with him. I must know if he goes to other places," Kongkiart said.
The Sultan's stay became an issue after Pheu Thai MP Surapong Towijakchaikul claimed the Sultan chose to be a guest at former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's seaside home in Cha-am, close to the summit venue, to show his close ties with Thaksin, rather than the current government.
The issue was raised as the Sultan did not show up at the opening ceremony of the Summit on Friday. Officials explained that he was unwell on the day as he had had a long journey from Russia and preferred to take a rest.