Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has raised concerns regarding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s failure to divest her shares in Alpine Golf and Sports Club in a timely manner. He questions whether her actions warrant her removal from office.
During a statement at the Election Commission (EC) offices, Ruangkrai highlighted that the law restricts ministers from holding more than five percent of shares in any company, a measure designed to combat corruption. He noted that Ms. Paetongtarn held a 30% stake in the golf club until September 3, shortly after taking office as Prime Minister on August 16.
Ruangkrai further explained that Ms. Paetongtarn, also the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, transferred her shares to her mother, Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra. Previously, she and her siblings each held a 30% stake, while their mother owned 10%.
He urged the EC to expedite their investigation and mentioned his intention to file a similar complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission. This latest filing brings the total to 13 petitions filed against the Pheu Thai Party and/or Ms. Paetongtarn, with six submitted by Ruangkrai himself, all alleging various forms of corruption or ethical violations.
Land Controversy
In addition to her shares, the Alpine Golf and Sports Club is embroiled in controversy surrounding its ownership of a significant piece of land in Pathum Thani province. The land, located in Klong Luang district, was originally donated to a temple in 1971 by widow Noem Chamnanchartsakda.
Following her passing, the Mahamongkut Ratchawittayalai Foundation was appointed executor of her estate, subsequently selling the land to Alpine Real Estate and Alpine Golf and Sports Club. However, a legal ruling by the Council of State deemed the sale illegal, determining it involved monastic land.
In 2017, former Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit was sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of authority linked to this controversial sale. The National Anti-Corruption Commission found that Yongyuth had improperly annulled a Department of Land order that had revoked the sale of 732 rai of monastic land to the clubs in 2002. Although he appealed, his sentence was upheld, and he began serving in February 2020, later being released on health grounds in September 2020 with conditions.
The main entrance of the Alpine Golf Course in Pathum Thani.
