Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda say they have no fear of being bitten by "gift puppies" criticised as being inappropriate.
Anti-corruption activist Srisuwan Janya plans to file a petition with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against the prime minister for allegedly giving out inappropriate gifts. However, Gen Prayut countered on Wednesday that he had not sent puppies to anybody.
Gen Prayut bought three small dogs from a group of Bang Kaew breeders during a cabinet trip to Phitsanulok on Dec 25. One puppy was for him and the two others were for Gen Anupong and Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya. The price of each dog was 6,000 baht.
The prime minister said he had not even taken delivery of the young animals.
Gen Anupong said he would not accept the puppy from the prime minister as he realised the price tag meant it would be a violation of the law.
The complaint to be lodged by Mr Srisuwan with the anti-graft agency also includes Gen Anupong and Gen Chatchai. It alleges the two violated Section 103 of the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption Act.
Section 103 prohibits political office-holders from receiving gifts with a value of more than 3,000 baht.
The Bang Kaew is one of the country's most famous dog breeds, and originated in Phitsanulok province. The dogs are well-known for their loyalty to their owner, and for being very aggressive towards strangers.
