THE National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on Thursday dismissed a case of alleged abuse of power against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.
They were accused of wrongfully asking three mobile phone operators to deliver mass SMS text messages to 17 million telephones nationwide free of charge when they first took office in 2008, NACC secretary-general Apinan Issarangkul Na Ayudhaya said.
The commission reasoned Mr Abhisit and Mr Korn did not act in their own interest or for commercial gain but in the public interest. Moreover, the three mobile phone operators paid tax from their income so the act did not help private companies, the NACC said. It added that the National Human Rights Commission had explained the texting did not violate people’s personal rights.
Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana filed a petition to the NACC seeking the removal of Mr Abhisit and Mr Korn from office for alleged abuse of power in their actions.
The NACC also dismissed the case against the premier for malfeasance in appointing Kasit Piromya, who was allegedly involved with the takeover of Suvarnbhumi Airport, as Foreign Minister. It said the accusation had no grounds. — THE NATION/ANN
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