Turkey- Protesters held on way to Thai corruption tainted park
Date
12/7/2015 8:41:04 AM
(MENAFN- The Journal Of Turkish Weekly) More than 30 protesters were arrested Monday while trying to make their way to a $20 million theme park at the centre of a corruption scandal involving the Thai military.
The group was travelling by train from Bangkok to Ratchapakdi Park around 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Bangkok when the train was stopped and the protesters arrested according to a statement by rights group iLaw.
It said that 33 people were detained and taken away in military vehicles to an undisclosed location.
The 35-hectare (10000 sq. meter) project has been beset by corruption allegations since it opened with critics accusing the military government of pocketing public donations.
Last month the ruling military launched its own investigation into the park but claimed there were no irregularities in the project.
The park -- which features gigantic bronze-cast statues of Thai kings -- has become a focal point for critics of Thailand's military junta -- which took power over one year ago citing the need to root out corruption and normalize a tense political situation.
Last week two former protest leaders with links to the previous government were arrested while trying to organize a visit to the park.
They were later released.
By CS Thana
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.