Thailand: PM, opposition leader lead anti-corruption campaign

Bangkok, Sep 26: Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva have urged all sectors to create a culture of honesty and not to give in to bribery in an anti-corruption campaign.

The prime minister and the opposition leader, joined by Senate speaker Gen Teeradej Meepien and Pongsak Assakul, acting chairman of Anti-Corruption Center, led the public and representatives from 30 organisations on a march from Lumpini Park to Silom Road yesterday.

The Prime Minister took a vow to oppose all forms of corruption, create a culture of honesty and stick to good governance in doing duties to prevent corruption and bribery.

She led participants to pledge not to abuse power by cheating and exploiting the public's interest for their own benefits, but to strictly respect and abide by regulations and law.

Meanwhile, the Democrat leader suggested the prime minister help farmers in the government's rice mortgage scheme, as a number of farmers may not receive compensation.

Many parties are concerned about possible corruption in the rice mortgage scheme which involved a large amount of money, he said.

Yingluck said she would assign Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong to oversee that issue.

Abhisit also said during yesterday's anti-corruption campaign that all sectors have to join forces in the campaign and the Democrat Party will scrutinise possible instances of corruption to protect the country's interest.

The rice mortgage scheme is of concern for potential corruption, while the tax cut scheme for first-time home buyers does not really help the poor, he said.

PTI (TNA)