Chavalit seeks results on baht

Chavalit seeks results on baht

BANGKOK (Reuters): Former Thai premier and opposition leader Chavalit Yongchaiyudh challenged Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai yesterday to disclose results of an official probe into the Bank of Thailand's bungled defense of the baht in 1997.

Chavalit told reporters he was prepared to take responsibility if it could clearly be proved that his government had made incorrect policy decisions that triggered Thailand's worst economic crisis in decades.

Chuan's cabinet is due to discuss the findings of the seven- member panel, headed by former central bank governor Nukul Prachuabmoh, on Wednesday.

A copy of the panel's report obtained by the local press blamed Chavalit, his former finance minister Amnuay Viravan, central bank governor Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi and other senior central bank officials for Thailand's poor defense of the baht.