Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij today declined to confirm that the government wanted to take over Thaicom Plc.
He said that he travelled to Singapore to explain to Temasek Holdings on the political situation after Thaicom's satellite station was attacked by the red protesters. However, he declined to divulge details of the discussion.
Temasek is a major shareholder of Thaicom, via its holding of Shin Corp Plc. There were reports that Thailand wants to buy back Thaicom, as satellite is deemed part of the national security.
"The fact is when the red protesters gathered at the satellite station, the prime minister instructed me to clear up with Temasek, the major shareholder of Shin Corp. I did as I was told, but I won't say what we talked about or comment on the report that I led the negotiation to buy back Thaicom, as Thaicom is a listed company. There is no special agenda worth talking about. It seems to be inappropriate here," he said.