Chuan sacks driver after seizure of pirated CDs

BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai has sacked his driver after police seized pirated compact discs which were about to be delivered to his official residence, police said this afternoon. Police guarding Chuan’s home said they made the bust as Malaysian national Liew Chee Kong, 41, arrived at the prime minister’s residence to allegedly hand over 80 illegal CDs to Chuan’s driver. The CDs were to be distributed during a planned birthday party for the driver inside the official compound, police said. Chuan’s deputy secretary Niphon Bunyapataro said the premier immediately sacked his driver and demanded the incident be fully investigated. “The prime minister was very angry and ordered an immediate investigation into the case,” Niphon said. Liew Chee Kong, who was released on bail, was reported to have been a regular visitor to the official compound. Thai police this year have tried to crack down on pirated CDs but the illicit goods are still readily available throughout major retail centres in Bangkok.