Pongsak dismisses idea that PM behind Matichon move

Published on September 17, 2005 - Transport Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal yesterday dismissed the suggestion that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was behind the hostile attempted takeover for Matichon Plc by GMM Grammy. Pongsak rejected reports that suggest GMM Grammy’s boss Paiboon Damrongchaitham had developed close ties with Thaksin when he helped negotiate the failed purchase of Liverpool Football Club. Pongsak said that 10 businessmen were involved when the premier negotiated the Liverpool deal.

“You cannot link every business decision with politics. Paiboon uses his own money in the interest of his business,’’ Pongsak said.

He ruled out speculation that politicians wanted to own a newspaper. “It is impossible to make a profit if the editorial team, reporters and columnists do not agree. I also do not believe that Paiboon would throw his money in the water. He must have his own business plan.”

Thai Rak Thai party deputy spokesman Suthin Klangsaeng urged the public not to use sentiment instead of reason to judge the events and become critical of the government. “Especially the Democrats, who are using the situation to say the government is the culprit and is sinful,’’ he said.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on those involved in the attempted takeover of Matichon to review their decision, saying the move will have bad consequences for the country. “There may be short-term political benefit for those involved, but in the long run the country and the public will suffer,’’ he said.

“The problem is that political office holders also hold huge capital. The public cannot help but feel that their basic rights are under threat,’’ he said.

Thailand Development Research Institute president Chalongphob Sussangkarn said the takeover bids showed that capitalism had forced its way into politics, trying to block the public’s right to know.

“It is a good sign that intellectual groups are highly aware of the danger and do not accept the capitalists making such a move,’’ he said.

Chalongphob added that civic groups and middle-class people understood the motive behind the takeover attempt and the negative consequences to the country from the move,

Piyanart Srivalo, Yossawadee Hongthong
The Nation