Bangkok: "Pakamon" has firmly denied claims that she stated A-Ma Company purchased 500 rai of land for a land bridge project, clarifying it was merely a term used by locals. She urged Transport Minister Pipat to prioritize national interests over familial ties and assured that potential conflicts of interest would be thoroughly investigated.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Pakamon Nunanan, spokesperson for the People's Party, addressed Ama Marine Public Company Limited's clarification that it had not acquired over 500 rai of land for the land bridge project. She expressed disappointment at Minister Pipat's canceled site visit, urging him to engage directly with locals in areas like Ao Khae, Ranong Province, where land is reportedly being acquired by a nominee company known locally as 'Ama'.
Ms. Pakamon emphasized that her statements did not implicate A-Ma Company specifically. She called on Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Transport, to investigate land acquisitions in the South related to the land bridge project he strongly supports.
The MP argued that the government should scrutinize land and resource acquisitions by capitalists, questioning the benefits the land bridge project would bring to locals when most resources are controlled by a few. She highlighted the ease with which untitled land is being purchased and converted into titled property, urging a probe into the agencies facilitating this process.
She mentioned Mr. Pipat's potential disorientation following an oil crisis, which might have spurred a hasty press conference upon hearing the name "A-ma" and its association with his brother's company, A-ma Marine. Ms. Pakamon believes an investigation into potential conflicts of interest between Mr. Pipat's family business and the land bridge project is necessary.
Ms. Pakamon reiterated her call for Mr. Pipat to focus on his ministerial duties first, ensuring no conflicts of interest cloud his work. She noted the public's growing suspicion following Mr. Pipat's denials, stressing the need for transparency from the outset. She urged the government and Mr. Pipat to shoulder the responsibility of investigating resource ownership and political ties, especially within the energy sector.
In response to questions about public distrust following a press conference by A-Ma Company, Ms. Pakamon suggested that Mr. Pipat's denials have only increased scrutiny. She insisted that the minister's foremost duty is to protect national resources and interests, even if it means subjecting his family's finances to public scrutiny.