Democrat Party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai is mobbed by reporters and cameramen as he arrives at the Office of the Auditor-General yesterday for a meeting with members of the Assets Examination Committee.

He spoke after testifying before a panel appointed by the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) to unmask culprits behind the illegal two- and three-digit lotteries.

"Although I was an elected prime minister and saw many coalition governments, I have never seen so many power abuses as happened under Thaksin's leadership," he said.

The panel, led by AEC member Udom Fuangfung, asked Chuan to outline how his government worked in comparison to that of Thaksin.

"In my two coalitions and other administrations I participated in, there was never a discussion about the two- and three-digit lottery," he said, claiming Thaksin broke away from precedent when he pushed for the lotteries.

Chuan said he and other prime ministers whom he served had not sanctioned any move to increase sales of lottery tickets, including special tickets issued for charities.

He pointed out the work procedures involving the prime minister and other Cabinet members in formulating policy and in adopting a resolution. This should help explain how Thaksin bypassed or manipulated established rules to serve his purpose, he said.

Chuan said his statement only covered the illegal lotteries and did not touch on the controversial land transaction involving Thaksin's wife Khunying Pojaman.

Accompanying Chuan before the panel was former deputy finance minister Pichet Panvichartkul, who used to supervise the Government Lottery Office.

Pichet said he disagreed with plans to revive the two- and three-digit lotteries after amending the law to legalise them.

He said the promotion of lottery sales would lure people to become obsessed with gambling.