Thaksin Linked To Wife's Suspect Land Deal Under Investigation

[hammered]

I can’t help but wonder what is going through Thaksin’s mind there last few days. Knowing his not back down nature I suspect some sort of major offensive in the very near future.

Any word on how much money he has at his disposal and how much is stuck in Thailand?

I guess you have heard the rumors of TRT "recruiting" an army of young people to demonstrate too. No doubt all part of some vague plan that includes PTV and Chatchuron's little meander around the Isaan. Of course none of this is being funded and is all just spontaneous.

[Sing_Sling]

hmm . . . thought I had something to contribute but it's all just so sad . . .

It will never cease to amaze me how greedy some people can be, even when they have more than 99.9% of the world's population. May they choke on their ill-gotten gains.

[Tony Clifton]

I can’t help but wonder what is going through Thaksin’s mind there last few days. Knowing his not back down nature I suspect some sort of major offensive in the very near future.

Any word on how much money he has at his disposal and how much is stuck in Thailand?

I guess you have heard the rumors of TRT "recruiting" an army of young people to demonstrate too. No doubt all part of some vague plan that includes PTV and Chatchuron's little meander around the Isaan. Of course none of this is being funded and is all just spontaneous.

Agree with that. I posted this in the Security in Bangkok.

I still believe the New Year bombings have nothing to do with the South but are linked with old power, same goes for the new warnings in Bangkok, coinciding with more and more criminal charges revealed against Thaksin and TRT members/supporters and the attempt to launch TRT's PTV station plus Chaturon's visit up North, the Thaksin interviews and upcoming speech. All attempts at throwing a wrench into the CNS corruption busting machine.

[John K]

I can’t help but wonder what is going through Thaksin’s mind there last few days. Knowing his not back down nature I suspect some sort of major offensive in the very near future.

Any word on how much money he has at his disposal and how much is stuck in Thailand?

I guess you have heard the rumors of TRT "recruiting" an army of young people to demonstrate too. No doubt all part of some vague plan that includes PTV and Chatchuron's little meander around the Isaan. Of course none of this is being funded and is all just spontaneous.

Actually I did not hear the rumors about that but nothing would amaze me at this point about Thaksin. The man is capable of anything as long as it is self serving in some way. I am just seeing several things hitting all at once. The last time Thaksin was under such pressure while he was in office he stopped hiding his actions and they became very overt. If memory serves it was around June last year.

[sriracha john]

Shinawatras seek a delay

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Pojaman yesterday asked the Assets Examination committee (AEC) for a 30-day postponement to give information about the Ratchadapisek land purchase to the committee.

Committee member Udom Fuangfung said the couple had already asked for a 90-day delay - but the panel considered the period too long and told them to attend by April 4.

The panel would have to consider again whether to allow the postponement, he said.

The two face criminal charges of exploiting Thaksin's position for personal gain and making contracts with government agencies under his supervision.

The case could result in the plots in question being seized.

- The Nation

==================

Time is running out for the Shinawatras....

[sriracha john]

well, well... his wife is under investigation, his kids have been saddled with a huge fine for tax evasion, so it's only fitting that his sister undergo an investigation into her "abnormal wealth":

Democrats urge probe of Thaksin's sister

The deputy leader of the Democrat Party, Mr Alongkorn Polbutr is preparing to submit documents to the Assets Examination Committee to investigate what he alleged was the "abnormal wealth" of the sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Democrat deputy leader Alongkorn Polbutr will submit documents to the Assets Examination Committee to request an investigation into the abnormal wealth of Yaowapa Wongsawat, Mr Thaksin's younger sister.

Mr Alongkorn said he had reason to believe Ms Yaowapa hid assets from the state, and transferred them to her three children and Ms Sunisa Pathompong, the younger sister of a minister in the Thaksin administration.

Morever, Ms Yaowapa held stocks, and property in the Shinnichaville project worth over 256 million baht. Ms Yaowapa also purchased the Garden City Lagoon project from the Thai Property company while her three children owned stocks in four companies worth more than 1 billion baht, even though they are still students. "gee, Mom...that's a lot of milk money for school"

Mr Alongkorn concluded that there was much supporting evidence to believe the Thaksin administration was involved in corruption.

- Thaisnews

Thaksin's sister targetted

Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr will tomorrow petition for the launch of a graft investigation into Yaowapha Wongsawat, former MP and sister of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

"I suspect Yaowapha amassed unusual wealth while in her elected office," Alongkorn said yesterday at a press conference.

He said he wanted the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to look into Yaowapha's involvement in the Chinnicha Ville housing estate.

The NCCC should start by examining Yaowapha's assets statement, which might have been doctored to conceal ill-gotten gains stashed away in nominees' accounts, he said.

Yaowapha's nominees include her three children - Yosanan, Chinnicha and Chayapha - and a close aide, Sunisa Pathompreuk nee Wejchai, he added.

The NCCC might proceed to examine the composition of equity stakes in the holding company of the housing estate, the Bt256-million transaction for the plot to be developed and the Bt1-billion deal to merge four companies before kicking off the project, he said.

- The Nation

UPDATE

Alongkorn vows to nail Yaowapa

Democrat party deputy leader Alongkorn Ponlabutr says he will go public today with information he claims will show how Yaowapa Wongsawat was instrumental in a web of cronyism feeding on ill-gotten gains which could be traced back to her brother, deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr Alongkorn said the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) has already accepted a complaint he filed against Mrs Yaowapa for being unusually rich.

Mr Alongkorn said he first exposed Mrs Yaowapa in May last year by releasing documents to back his allegations. ''I've spent four to five years putting together jigsaws of the whole network,'' he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Jan2007_news12.php

==================================================

not sure Alongkorn would appreciate the Post's use of the verb "nail" in its headline. which is sometimes used as a euphemism for something I don't think ANYONE would want to do with Yaowapa...

the same could also be said for ThaiNews use of another verb, "probe", from the earlier report...

UPDATE

Deputy Democrat Leader testifies in probe into abnormal wealth of former TRT MP

The Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party testified in the case of the abnormal wealth of a former Thai Rak Thai Member of Parliament

The Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, Mr. Alongkorn Polbuth, testified to the Office of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) on a probe into the abnormal wealth of former Thai Rak Thai Member of Parliament Yhaowapa Wongsawat (Thaksin's sister). Mr. Alongkorn said that he has prepared evidence on 3 key issues, including the hostile takeover of the Rin Niraville development project, the procurement of 8 hectares of land worth over 200 million baht, and the ownership of various companies worth over 1 billion baht by Mrs. Yhaowapa's 3 children.

The Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party expressed his concern over lack of regulatory measures to control transfer of property ownership.

- ThaiNews

[John K]

LAND-SALE SCANDAL

Pridiyathorn sought as witness for Shinawatras

Lawyer lodges defence argument, seeking former BOT chief to testify over Ratchadaphisek purchase by Pojaman

The defence lawyer for Thaksin Shina-watra and wife Poja-man has moved to call former finance minister and central bank chief MR Pridiyathorn Devakula as a witness for hearings over a major land scandal.

Pridiyathorn will make a statement to the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) hearing over the controversial sale of blocks of land on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok, which were bought by the former prime minister's .wife.

Lawyer Pichit Chuenban yesterday submitted a 63-page statement of defence.

Pichit explained later the couple asked the AEC to consider statements about the controversial land sale. They requested it admit declarations from ex-finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak, his former deputy Varathep Rattana-korn, Bank of Thailand (BOT) legal director Chanchai Boonrit-chaisri and Pridiyathorn.

"However, the AEC allowed only Pridiyathorn to deliver additional testimony. He will appear on Wednesday next week," Pichit said. Pridiyathorn is reportedly in Chiang Rai and unavailable for comment. It is understood he is yet to be approached about the appearance.

As BOT governor, Pridiyathorn chaired the board of the Financial Institutions Development Fund. The fund sold the land to Pojaman at auction for Bt772 million.

Pichit believed Pridiyathorn was directly involved with the transaction and is on record as saying there were no irregularities with the bid. The fund made a 15-per-cent capital gain on the sale.

The AEC earlier ruled Thaksin and Pojaman should face charges for violations of Article 152 of the Criminal Code. It alleged the couple exploited Thaksin's position for personal gain.

Both are accused of violating the National Counter Corruption Commission Act. It prohibits state officials and spouses from having any interest in contracts made with state agencies.

Phichit's defence claimed Thaksin had no authority over the Financial Institutions Develop-ment Fund, the seller of the Ratchadaphisek Road land plots at the centre of the scandal.

He said the fund was a state agency governed by a board, not a government ministry or department. The Bank of Thailand Act 1942 stipulates the fund's board oversees its activities and not the prime minister.

In addition, Pichit asserted the Ratchadaphisek purchase was via an auction where other bidders competed. "The AEC has misinterpreted the law and misunderstood the powers of the prime minister in relation to the fund," he said yesterday.

Pichit said the AEC could not use the act to prosecute Thaksin because the alleged offences were not a matter of public interest or a conflict of personal or public interest.

"The law says real-estate sales are a matter for the fund's board and not political office-holders, be they the finance minister or other Cabinet ministers. So, how can Thaksin be accused of this?" he said.

In addition, the fund was not an aggrieved party, Pichit said. It had not voluntarily lodged a complaint over the sale, but did so after being ordered to by the AEC.

AEC member Udom Fuangfung said the Pridiyathorn statement was "normal defence strategy". He said after Pridiyathorn's testimony the subcommittee hearings would conclude and report to the full AEC. The case could be before the Attorney-General before the end of the month.

In the defence statement, Pichit referred to the fund's reluctance to submit a formal complaint to the AEC over the sale. He argued that the Bank of Thailand Act stipulates the fund reports to its own board and was not subject to prime ministerial power.

The defence argument said AEC action against Thaksin under the National Counter Corruption Act was a misunderstanding of the law. It said the Act did not cover "one-time deals" such as the land purchase.

Pichit contended the AEC had no jurisdiction over Thaksin.

The statement continues with an assertion the September coup abolished the corruption act and replacement legislation could not be applied retroactively.

Udom rebutted the arguments saying "if only ministers could be held responsible and prime ministers could do anything with any ministry without bearing any responsibility, how could this nation survive?"

Meanwhile, Pinthongta and Panthongtae Shinawatra are yet to submit revised income statements to the Revenue Department reflecting additional tax owed from the sale of Shin Corp shares.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation

[sriracha john]

AEC summons Pridiyathorn

Assets Examination Committee (AEC) will Monday issue a summon for Former finance minister MR Pridiyathorn Devagula to give statements as witness over the Ratchadapisek land purchase by Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra.

Pridiyathorn is required to report to AEC on Wednesday.

Udom Fuangfung, chairman of AEC subcommittee to probe the irregularities in the land purchase said that the summon will be issued in response to the request of the lawyers of the accused.

He said that if Pridiyathorn did not turn up to give testimony without valid reasons, he could face up to one month in jail and/or Bt10,000 fine.

"By law, the lawyer of the accused will not be allowed to be present during the testimony of the witness. The lawyer can be present only if the accused comes,'' Udom said.

The lawyer team to the accused has to submit questions for Pridiyathorn to the AEC within Tuesday.

Pojaman and her husband, ousted premier Thaksin, were earlier charged with violating Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Commission Act, which bans state officials and their spouses from having an interest in contracts made with state agencies under their supervision.

The Nation

[John K]

I think they have been reading our posts.

He said that if Pridiyathorn did not turn up to give testimony without valid reasons, he could face up to one month in jail and/or Bt10,000 fine.

[sriracha john]

I think they have been reading our posts.

He said that if Pridiyathorn did not turn up to give testimony without valid reasons, he could face up to one month in jail and/or Bt10,000 fine.

How's this for a valid reason?:

Pridiyathorn will be called to testify on Wednesday, however, Pridiyathorn had asked for his testimony to take place on April 25, after he returns from vacation, a source close to him said.

- The Nation

[John K]

I think they have been reading our posts.

He said that if Pridiyathorn did not turn up to give testimony without valid reasons, he could face up to one month in jail and/or Bt10,000 fine.

How's this for a valid reason?:

Pridiyathorn will be called to testify on Wednesday, however, Pridiyathorn had asked for his testimony to take place on April 25, after he returns from vacation, a source close to him said.

- The Nation

Excuse Contest:

Please enter your reasons to miss out on your chance to testify.

I can’t that’s the time my favorite program is on TV.

I don’t have anything to wear.

I need to get my nails done first.

We are looking to have a baby and that’s the exact time we need to be ....

[John K]

Pojaman charged in court

First legal strike against Shinawatras sees wife of deposed PM, her brother and secretary charged with tax evasion

The wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was yesterday charged with evading more than half a billion baht in tax, in the first significant legal strike against the family since Thaksin was ousted in the September 19 coup.

Khunying Pojaman appeared at the Bangkok Criminal Court with brother Bhanapot Damapong and personal secretary Kanchanapa Honghern. They were surrounded by tight security.

Reporters and photographers were on hand as were about 20 supporters with red roses and banners reading, "We are with you".

If convicted, Pojaman and Bhanapot face up to of 14 years in prison and Bt400,000 in fines. They will also have to pay outstanding tax, estimated by the Assets Examination Committee at Bt500 million.

Kanchanapa, if found guilty, faces a maximum of seven years in jail and a Bt200,000 fine. Prosecutors will say she did not play a direct role in the alleged evasion.

The three suspects were released after posting Bt5 million bail each. They appeared at 9.30am to hear the charges.

May 14 has been set as the first trial day, according to Pojaman's lawyer Noppadon Pattama.

The charges date back to 1997 when the Shinawatra clan allegedly circulated a huge volume of stock in the family company among themselves without paying tax.

The prosecution is the first against people close to the former prime minister who has himself been accused of widespread corruption.

Coup leaders cited Thaksin's alleged corruption as justification for his ouster and have faced strong criticism for being slow to prove their allegations, many of which remain under investigation.

Yesterday's indictment was also the first against a spouse of a prime minister for criminal and tax offences. Prosecutors said earlier they would treat the case as a

criminal conspiracy, and the matter could not be settled out of court if the defendants decided to meet their tax obligations.

In the past, coup leaders have often used their power to seize the assets of ousted leaders and family members.

Noppadon - who also represents Thaksin - told reporters the court prohibited the defendants from discussing the case publicly or "giving interviews or doing anything that could affect or obstruct the trial". The court added the trial was in the public interest, he said.

Violating this prohibition can result in bail being revoked, he added.

Wearing a mustard-yellow-silk dress Pojaman maintained her composure as she was escorted through an army of reporters and cameramen.

As many as 100 police provided a shield for Pojaman as she walked from her car to the court.

She smiled at supporters but was unable to receive their flowers. Noppadon said afterwards Pojaman said she was sorry she could not thank them in person.

Acting Thai Rak Thai Party deputy leader Pongthep Thepkanchana, brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat, close aide Phadung Limcharoenrat and public figure Darunee Kritboonyalai were among the group. Thai Rak Thai acting leader Chaturon Chaisang remained at party headquarters.

Thaksin has been in exile since the coup. He released a video for his family, saying "in such time of trouble, nothing matches the moral support among father, mother and children".

Public prosecutor Seksan Bangsomboon yesterday filed the 12-page charge in court. It alleges the three defendants evaded tax and intentionally gave false information to evade tax.

Kesinee Tangkhiew

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Pridiyathorn testifies on Thaksin land

Former finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakula testified Wednesday at the Assets Scrutiny Committee on the Ratchada land deal, when the wife of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra bought property from the Financial Institutions Development Fund. M.R. Pridiyathorn, who was the governor of the Bank of Thailand at the time of the land deal, refused to tell the media what he told the ASC but said the panel mostly asked him about facts.

The ASC has highlighted the 2003 land purchase as one of several cases involving potential corruption during the Thaksin administration. The ASC had argued that Khunying Potjaman had violated the anti-corruption law which bans state officials from entering into contracts with state agencies under their supervision.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118169

[dukkha]

As a wise, old, farang once told me, not his words, 'Thailand had the nicest people........money can buy!'

Not a surprising comment, and probably not exclusivley applicable to LOS...

[sriracha john]

CORRUPTION PROBES

AEC seeks asset freeze on suspects

Shin Corp sale and Ratchadapisek deal targeted in bid to stop fund-siphoning

The Assets Examination Committee is considering freezing the assets of politicians and their associates who are being investigated for alleged irregularities.

A leading source at the AEC said some members were likely to propose the idea at a full meeting today.

They will ask that the Anti-Money Laundering Office freeze the assets of all people involved in the Shin Corp share sale and the controversial Ratchadapisek land purchase, the source said.

The issue was discussed at the AEC meeting last Wednesday. Some panel members suggested the investigation had gathered sufficient evidence to warrant asset freezing which, they argued, was necessary to prevent funds being siphoned off.

Many AEC members had agreed to the idea but it was likely others would vote against it if a resolution was needed, the source said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Pridiyathorn affidavit of value to prosecution

The testimony of former finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakula could be valuable in prosecuting deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra over a 772-million-baht land deal, the chief investigator of the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) said yesterday. Pridiyathorn last week took issue with the media for unfairly reporting that his statement to investigators backed Mr Thaksin's defence. But Udom Fuangfung, head of the ASC's land deal inquiry team, insisted that Pridiyathorn's testimony given last week indicated that then prime minister Thaksin actually had authority over the Bank of Thailand (BoT). Mr Udom seemed confident that a statement from M.R. Pridiyathorn backed his team's legal interpretation that Mr Thaksin had authority over the FIDF. ''He accepted that when [the BoT] had to issue government bonds he [as the governor] had to seek approval from the finance minister, and then the prime minister,'' said Mr Udom, who is also a senior judge of the Criminal Court.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/25Apr2007_news07.php

[sriracha john]

AEC to decide whether to indict Pojaman

An Assets Examination Committee (AEC) panel investigating the purchase at auction of Ratchadaphisek land by Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra decides Tuesday if it will recommend the indictment of her and others.

If charges are recommended to the Attorney General it will be the second prosecution proposed by the AEC against those connected with the overthrown government of Thaksin Shinawatra.

Pojaman's bid was the highest at a Financial Institutions Development Fund auction. The fund is under the control of the Bank of Thailand.

- The Nation

[farangsay]

AEC, Revenue Dept spar over Shin taxes

An Assets Examination Committee (AEC) panel is preparing to ask the Revenue Department director-general today why the tax calculation for Thaksin Shinawatra's children from the Shin Corp share sale is being delayed.

An AEC source, who asked not to be named, said the panel will ask Sanit Rangnoi why the department had to appoint a 19-member committee to calculate the tax Panthongtae and Pinthongta Shinawatra were supposed to pay.

......

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/30...al_30033015.php

----------------------------------------

As we always used to say , there's more ways of killing a cat than choking it.

PS OK wrong thread/subject but proliferation can confuse

[John K]

AEC, Revenue Dept spar over Shin taxes

An Assets Examination Committee (AEC) panel is preparing to ask the Revenue Department director-general today why the tax calculation for Thaksin Shinawatra's children from the Shin Corp share sale is being delayed.

An AEC source, who asked not to be named, said the panel will ask Sanit Rangnoi why the department had to appoint a 19-member committee to calculate the tax Panthongtae and Pinthongta Shinawatra were supposed to pay.

......

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/30...al_30033015.php

----------------------------------------

As we always used to say , there's more ways of killing a cat than choking it.

PS OK wrong thread/subject but proliferation can confuse

I agree this clipping can be in many threads, but I am waiting for Tuesday to see what will happen per post #77. I am surprised that it is being done on a holiday, it almost suggests that the 19 person committee was placed there by pro Thaksin forces to further delay. It could certainly cause some issue with the calculation of accrued interest and could cause a significant legal challenge.

[sriracha john]

While awaiting for the decision to indict her or not, the obligatory lawsuit from the Thaksin clan:

Pojaman files lawsuit

The wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday filed a libel suit against the chairman of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) and the Thai-language Thai Post newspaper.

Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra had her lawyer file a libel suit against the newspaper for publicising AEC chief Nam Yimyaem's statement comparing her controversial purchase of the Ratchadaphisek land plot to a robber who took people's property.

The article was published in the newspaper on January 30.

Nam was quoted in the lawsuit as saying, "The Pojaman case is like an analogy drawn from a robbery - the stolen asset must be seized and returned to the rightful owner after the thief gets caught."

Pojaman said she publicly bid for the land, adding that the newspaper article could cause people to misunderstand what she had done.

- The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

And another round of suits to bring peace and harmony to the country.

[sriracha john]

Mr Thaksin's wife, Khunying Potjaman yesterday filed a lawsuit against ASC chairman Nam Yimyaem accusing him of defamation. Sarn Su Anakot Co, owner of the Thai Post daily newspaper, its executives Rote Ngammaen, Kannika Viriyakul and editor Taweesin Sathitrattanacheewin were also named as co-defendants. In her lawsuit, Khunying Potjaman, who had been under investigation by the ASC over the 772-million-baht Ratchada land deal, said Mr Nam had accused her of "stealing other people's properties." Mr Nam's comment was published in the Jan 30 issue of the Thai Post daily this year.

The Criminal Court accepted Khunying Potjaman's lawsuit for a preliminary hearing on

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/01May2007_news16.php

[sriracha john]

Ousted Thai PM’s wife sues graft-buster

BANGKOK • The wife of ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra has sued the government's top graft-buster and a newspaper for defamation, her lawyer said yesterday.

Pojaman Shinawatra filed the lawsuit over comments that compared her controversial purchase of government land in Bangkok to robbery, lawyer Noppadon Pattama told reporters.

Nam Yimyaem, the head of the Assets Scrutinising Committee, made the comments in the Post Today newspaper on January 30.

Pojaman also sued the newspaper for carrying the remarks, Noppadol said.

"She sued him and the newspaper for defamation. We used our legal rights. Our former prime minister and his wife and his family do not receive any justice from the committee," Noppadol said.

"We hope to receive justice from the court," he added.

The first hearing in the defamation case is expected in early July, the lawyer said.

The land deal, in which Pojaman bought a plot of government land for a bargain at auction, is among the dozen cases that the anti-corruption team is investigating.

Rooting out alleged corruption was one of the main justifications for the coup.

Nam's committee-which was set up after toppling Thaksin's government in September-has already filed charges of tax evasion and perjury against Pojaman, as well as her step-brother and her personal secretary.

- AFP

[slimdog]

AEC to decide whether to indict Pojaman

An Assets Examination Committee (AEC) panel investigating the purchase at auction of Ratchadaphisek land by Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra decides Tuesday if it will recommend the indictment of her and others.

If charges are recommended to the Attorney General it will be the second prosecution proposed by the AEC against those connected with the overthrown government of Thaksin Shinawatra.

Pojaman's bid was the highest at a Financial Institutions Development Fund auction. The fund is under the control of the Bank of Thailand.

- The Nation

Udom Fuangfung, chairman of an AEC subcommittee looking into alleged irregularities in a Bangkok land purchase by Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin, said the committee should be able to investigate on May 15.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/02...al_30033181.php

[John K]

I can’t see why Pojaman would sue per post #83 to bring it to court when conveniently there is already some court dates in place that the topic can be brought up in evidence. Unless I am confused and this is another issue.

[sriracha john]

AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem said he was not troubled that Pojaman Shinawatra had lodged a libel suit against him for a media interview in which he said that if she had unlawfully bought land on Ratchadaphisek Road, then that land must be seized.

"This is trivial. I'm prepared for libel cases, because that is the nature of my work [investigating corruption]. I was simply making an analogy as an example, that if anyone receives an asset through robbery, then that asset must be seized," he said.

- The Nation

[John K]

RATCHADAPHISEK DEAL

AEC panel to urge seizure of land, Shinawatra cash

Subcommittee wants Bt772 million paid by former premier's wife to be held while case pursued: Udom

A corruption panel probing a Bangkok land deal involving ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman will advocate seizure of the 33-rai plot and the Bt772 million payment, an official said yesterday.

The recommendation was likely be made to the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) on May 14, said Udom Fuangfung, chairman of the AEC panel probing the Shinawatras' purchase of the Ratchadaphisek block from the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF).

Council for National Security chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin hinted that the AEC would make front-page headlines within a few days.

Udom said his panel would suggest the AEC take recourse from Article 34 of the Criminal Code to confiscate both the land and money, because Pojaman unlawfully bought the land not long after her husband came to power.

It will take two weeks before the case can be forwarded to the Attorney-General's Office for prosecution, once the AEC rules on the recommendation.

Thaksin and Pojaman stand accused of violating Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Act, which prohibits government officials, including prime ministers, and their spouses from entering into or having interests in contracts with state agencies under their supervision.

The panel will also advise that both Thaksin and Pojaman be tried in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, even though Pojaman is not regarded as a politician, but as a supporter.

The deal's history goes back 10 years through administrations headed by Banharn Silapa-archa, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Chuan Leekpai.

The property was taken over by the FIDF and transferred to Thai Asset Management Corp during the Banharn government.

It was put up for auction during the Chavalit and Chuan governments and finally sold to winning bidder Pojaman in 2003 during Thaksin's first administration.

Thaksin's written permission as a spouse, allowing Pojaman to enter into the land deal, is being used as evidence in the case.

AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem denied knowing about Sonthi's comment that the AEC would hit the front pages in a few days. He said he did not discuss the AEC's work with Sonthi and dismissed suspicions that such a comment could be seen as Sonthi interfering with the AEC.

He said the AEC has made major progress in the Ratchadaphisek case.

If Thaksin and Pojaman were found guilty, the parcel would be confiscated and returned to the state, he said.

Meanwhile, Sonthi said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont would not be sacked because he was honest and had performed to the best of his ability.

"The PM and his Cabinet are making sacrifices. The country has a lot of problems that cannot be solved quickly because we have to follow legal procedures. We want someone who is righteous, honest and conforms to the law," he said. The Army chief was responding to calls to remove Surayud for his alleged slowness in delivering concrete achievements.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan,

Bancha Khaengkhan

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Potjaman facing land deal charge

ASC sub-panel to call for seizure of assets

A sub-panel of the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) has agreed to seek criminal charges against deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Potjaman, over the Ratchada land deal. Udom Fuangfung, head of the ASC's inquiry committee into the controversial 772-million-baht deal, said the panel will hand over its findings along with its recommendations to the ASC on May 14, a week behind the original May 8 schedule. Mr Udom said the committee would meet on May 8 to finalise details of the case. He maintained the land deal contravened Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Commission Act, which prohibits the prime minister, cabinet ministers and spouses from engaging in business contracts with state agencies. Potjaman allegedly exploited her husband's political position to secure the deal with the Bank of Thailand's Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF).

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/04May2007_news01.php

[John K]

Things are looking up. By the way I have not heard about PTV this week. Does anyone know what they are planning?

[sriracha john]

Off for a round of golfing at the Alpine golf course?

or perhaps a good Man City footie match on UBC?