Doubts over NACC probe of Prawit’s watch scandal

[webfact]

Doubts over NACC probe of Prawit’s watch scandal

By PRAPASRI OSATHANON, 
WASAMON AUDJARINT 
THE NATION 

 

 

ANTI-GRAFT BODY’S NEUTRALITY QUESTIONED AS PUBLIC DEMANDS ANSWERS

THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has given Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan 30 days to explain how he obtained a flamboyant Richard Mille wristwatch and diamond ring after the luxury items raised public suspicion about the general’s affluence.

 

The agency would consider taking further action after hearing Prawit’s account, said Worawit Sukboon, the agency’s acting secretary-general, who added it should not take long to resolve the issue given its “simplicity”.

 

Prawit could either clarify the issue in person or submit a written statement to the NACC, he said.

 

While Prawit has said he owned the watch for a long time, Worawit refused to confirm whether that meant he had concealed assets as the items were not listed on the assets and liability report he submitted to the NACC when he entered office.

 

The multi-million-baht watch and diamond ring raised eyebrows after they were noticed when Prawit raised his hand to shade his face from sunlight before a group picture at the first meeting of the reshuffled Cabinet on Monday.

 

When he became deputy prime minister and defence minister in 2014, Prawit reported Bt87 million worth of assets, including bank savings, land, property and a car. A section on the form for assets worth more than Bt200,000 slot was left blank.

 

Under criticism for the scandal, Prawit yesterday skipped a meeting at the government house where reporters were expecting his presence.

 

Although the NACC by law has to consider the issue, members of the public and regime critics doubted whether the agency would really investigate the issue or simply help the general avoid assuming any guilt.

 

Not only is Prawit a key member in the current ruling regime, but he also has a connection with the head of the NACC, Pol General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, who worked for him after the 2014 coup.

 

Prior to assuming leadership of the anti-corruption body, Watcharapol was a deputy secretary-general to the prime minister attached to Prawit.

 

Watcharapol said yesterday he was not bothered at having to take up a case involving his former boss. The NACC’s job entailed questioning Prawit, he said, but it was not clear whether he would join deliberations in the case if the NACC seriously investigates the issue.

 

However, he said commissioners that had a stake in the case would be excluded from deliberations.

 

For the time being, Watcharapol reiterated that the agency was inquiring how Prawit had acquired the assets in question and whether he had documentation proving how they were acquired.

 

The NACC would compare the assets to the list submitted earlier, he said, but added that the current law only required political office holders to report their assets and liabilities twice, when they assumed and left office, not during their tenure.

 

Given the unusual circumstances in Prawit’s case, the NACC had to ask him for clarification, he said.

 

The anti-graft body needed to prove itself to be politically neutral enough to carry out the investigation, said Mana Nimitmongkol, secretary-general of the Anti-corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT).

 

Prawit’s case indicates the public’s enthusiasm in scrutinising political office holders, he said. “It’s good to see how just one photo of Prawit shading his eyes can trigger this much interest,” Mana said in a seminar held by the ACT yesterday.

 

“We may look at the ongoing NACC draft bill, for instance,” he said, referring to the bill to be deliberated by junta-appointed bodies.

“If it is written to eventually benefit the serving NACC members, extending their terms for instance, it must be watched closely,” he said.

 

An investigation of Prawit’s tax records matching them against his assets was necessary, he said, adding that the standard should be applied to all political office holders.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30333435

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-12-08

[Smiley Face]

34 minutes ago, webfact said:

THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has given Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan 30 days to explain how he obtained a flamboyant Richard Mille wristwatch and diamond ring

Thirty days!  I guess they figure it would take that long to train this guy to make up a plausible BS story that the NACC could save face with.  Surely, it does not take this long to ask a few simple questions and get to this guy's response on record.  I have to think one can remember how one came into possession of assets that are that expensive.  It's not like they are asking when and how he purchased his last package of toilet paper! ! ! !  One has to wonder, are there any honest officials at all in Thailand?  How is the public to believe anything that this administration has to say?  There is absolutely no accountability or transparency!  

[jaywalker]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

Worawit Sukboon, the agency’s acting secretary-general, who added it should not take long to resolve the issue given its “simplicity”.

Agreed Smiley Face.

 

30 days to explain something that should take ten seconds to do.

[candide]

51 minutes ago, webfact said:

Doubts over NACC probe of Prawit’s watch scandal

Who has any doubt about the NAAC's probe? We already know the outcome! 

[Bob12345]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

members of the public and regime critics doubted whether the agency would really investigate the issue or simply help the general avoid assuming any guilt

Ah, well, the members of the public chose to accept a corrupted regime to take over the country and change every institution in such a way it benefitted them directly or indirectly.

They hand-picked the people in key-functions to be able to hold on control if there will ever be an election so they could kick out elected representatives in case they don't like the winners. They gave themselves amnesty with weak excuses and intimidated reporters who asked questions.

 

The members of the public accepted all this, and now they get the consequences of that.

Stop whining and accept responsibility; this is the direct result of your inaction.

[nikmar]

30 days??  How long does it take to have an interview!! He's already said he can explain!

[baboon]

2 hours ago, jaywalker said:

Agreed Smiley Face.

 

30 days to explain something that should take ten seconds to do.

Perhaps he is being given the 30 days in order to form a committee to decide the best way of rubbing the public's nose in it: Do we call it a 'misunderstanding'? Should I simply not show up and walk around with a smirk? Shall I say I got rid of it and be photographed wearing an even more expensive one at the hearing? These matters need careful handling...

[rkidlad]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

While Prawit has said he owned the watch for a long time, Worawit refused to confirm whether that meant he had concealed assets as the items were not listed on the assets and liability report

Clearly he did conceal it if he didn’t list it. You don’t forget about 4-10 million baht watches and expensive diamond rings unless you have loads already. 

 

Anyhoo, at the very least we can get a laugh out of the excuses coming out. Thais should be absolutely p*****. Too bad the government won’t allow them to speak out in numbers. That darn elusive roadmap keeps getting in the way. 

Edited December 8, 2017 by rkidlad

[klauskunkel]

at least this scandal accomplished what the junta was trying to achieve all along (as they claim):

General Bling singlehandedly united Thailand, albeit unwittingly...

Edited December 8, 2017 by klauskunkel

[yellowboat]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Given the unusual circumstances in Prawit’s case, the NACC had to ask him for clarification, he said.

Wearing an expensive undeclared watch by a usurper of power is unusual in Thailand ?   It would be considered quite usual by those on this forum. 

[spidermike007]

If the public had only an inkling of how much the guys at the top were earning, there might be a revolution here. It is mind boggling, how corrupt they are. All in the name of ridding the country of corruption. How ingenious. That is the only reason they are clinging to power, at this time. It is all about the money.

[ratcatcher]

4 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

If the public had only an inkling of how much the guys at the top were earning, there might be a revolution here. It is mind boggling, how corrupt they are. All in the name of ridding the country of corruption. How ingenious. That is the only reason they are clinging to power, at this time. It is all about the money.

"If the public had only an inkling of how much the guys at the top were earning, ...."

They do not earn it. They acquire it, accumulate it, sometimes purloin it and in some cases, inherit it.

[eliotness]

It's not a suprise that all the junta supporters are quiet about this.  Never mind how he got the watch and ring, he never declared them as assests, which by his own admission he's had for some time.  Now if General PM wants to win over the public he should sack the little fat liar - a dishonourable discharge with loss of pension. That action would shoot the PM's credibility through the roof.  Will it happen - 55555 ?

[JAG]

"If the public had only an inkling of how much the guys at the top were earning, ...."
They do not earn it. They acquire it, accumulate it, sometimes purloin it and in some cases, inherit it.

Be fair, sometimes it is the return on " wise investments' made earlier in their careers...

Sent from my KENNY using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[seajae]

not declaring them then flashing them around shows a bit too much contempt, they are supposed to be anti corruption but with things like this happening it is making them look stupid. He needs to be made to show ownership/purchase etc and explain where the money came from, doesnt matter which side of politics people follow they all need to answerable to the law and to be charged when they dont, too many just walk away after crap like this, if its good enough to chase thaksin then its good enough to chase their own. Time for everyone to be held accountable for what they do, names, wealth and position should not be able to be used to get away with any type of corruption

[Bob12345]

1 hour ago, seajae said:

Time for everyone to be held accountable for what they do, names, wealth and position should not be able to be used to get away with any type of corruption

We can all agree how it should be, but this is not something that ever happened in Thailand nor is it moving in the right direction.

 

I really hope some of the new generation are willing to stand up, fight the injustice, and take the country forward in the future.

There are glimmers of hope with some university students and some young lawyers, but they will have to convince the majority of the country that this is the way forward.

Edited December 8, 2017 by Bob12345
spelling error

[yellowboat]

1 hour ago, JAG said:

Be fair, sometimes it is the return on " wise investments' made earlier in their careers...

Sent from my KENNY using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

A story of a shrewd investment  would be an inspiration for his fellow Thais to follow.  His avoiding the media just shows the opposite and will make him even more of a target for reporters in and out of Thailand.   Can't see how even junta lovers can love this coward. 

[Happyman58]

Dont matter if the NACC find any wrong doings They only worry about loosing there jobs if they say anything The deputy Pm would of said shut your ,mouths and i do as i please The answer he would of got back YES BOSS

[AGareth2]

he borrowed it from a pawnshop for the photo shoot

move on

(or COC could use his 44)

[Eric Loh]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Doubts over NACC probe of Prawit’s watch scandal

Not doubt but resignation 

[Tilacme]

Tip of the iceberg.

[rkidlad]

1 hour ago, AGareth2 said:

he borrowed it from a pawnshop for the photo shoot

move on

(or COC could use his 44)

Probably something like that. Which if true (obviously it isn't) he should have stated right away. Then people can say he caused confusion and misunderstanding in public which seems to be a very serious offence according to the junta. Also, this has all been seen 'online' which makes it part of the 'computer crimes act' which seems to be the most serious matter at the moment.

 

It's all moot anyway. They really can do whatever they like. 

Edited December 8, 2017 by rkidlad

[Get Real]

87 million Bath registered. As it happens he have a watch and a ring too, that is not registered. Why is that so important? Let the man have his watch and concentrate on making the work that needs to be done. Media outcry is always something that need to be talk about over and over again. Useless!

[sjaak327]

4 hours ago, seajae said:

not declaring them then flashing them around shows a bit too much contempt, they are supposed to be anti corruption but with things like this happening it is making them look stupid. He needs to be made to show ownership/purchase etc and explain where the money came from, doesnt matter which side of politics people follow they all need to answerable to the law and to be charged when they dont, too many just walk away after crap like this, if its good enough to chase thaksin then its good enough to chase their own. Time for everyone to be held accountable for what they do, names, wealth and position should not be able to be used to get away with any type of corruption

They are not anti corruption. In fact they are more corrupt (a few leagues) than Thaksin ever was. Only gullible people believed what these people claimed, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. I mean, seizing power illegally, suspending human rights, sweeping their corruption under the carpet, and of course a sweeping amnesty that was self awarded, as it pays when you can write your own constitution and your own laws. 

 

They will not be held accountable for anything, that's what the amnesty is supposed to handle. They are above the law, there is no question about it. 

 

If Prawit does get in trouble over this, it only means he pissed off Prayuth, if not, this will go absolutely nowhere. 

[metisdead]

An off topic post has been removed as well as the reply.  A baiting post has been removed. 

[chama]

So The Toad has an escape plan! This is not a surprise. There is a thin veil covering his corrupt activities to begin with so why would things change now? How long is it going to take for the NACC to tell us it is none of our business so the Toad can hop down the road to do more damage? After all there is a desperate need for another submarine.

[YetAnother]

15 hours ago, webfact said:

Doubts over NACC probe of Prawit’s watch scandal

doubts, really ?; we have no doubts whatsoever

[robblok]

8 hours ago, seajae said:

not declaring them then flashing them around shows a bit too much contempt, they are supposed to be anti corruption but with things like this happening it is making them look stupid. He needs to be made to show ownership/purchase etc and explain where the money came from, doesnt matter which side of politics people follow they all need to answerable to the law and to be charged when they dont, too many just walk away after crap like this, if its good enough to chase thaksin then its good enough to chase their own. Time for everyone to be held accountable for what they do, names, wealth and position should not be able to be used to get away with any type of corruption

Great post exactly my thinking. 

[jayboy]

8 hours ago, seajae said:

not declaring them then flashing them around shows a bit too much contempt, they are supposed to be anti corruption but with things like this happening it is making them look stupid. He needs to be made to show ownership/purchase etc and explain where the money came from, doesnt matter which side of politics people follow they all need to answerable to the law and to be charged when they dont, too many just walk away after crap like this, if its good enough to chase thaksin then its good enough to chase their own. Time for everyone to be held accountable for what they do, names, wealth and position should not be able to be used to get away with any type of corruption

Don't know where to start with this one.In an ideal world it would make sense but in the Thailand context I'm afraid it doesn't.

 

Firstly the Junta has much rhetoric about corruption and argues it justified the coup.But in fact corruption continues unabated and "corruption" is often just code for democratic politics/elections.

 

Secondly the main anti corruption body (NACC) is part and parcel of the regime with the same aims and objectives.It is as likely to come down hard on Prawit as a playful kitten.

 

Thirdly the law is pliable in Thailand, and double standards abound.There is no way the self appointed "good people", however venal and corrupt will be treated comparably with anyone tarnished by the Shin brush.

 

Fourthly expressing the wish that everyone should be accountable is a fine sentiment.But those in charge now are not accountable and never will be.The many crimes of the Thai military are covered up and ignored, and senior army officers never take responsibility.

 

Fifthly in this sordid case any comparison with Thaksin is off beam since he is a wealthy plutocrat who could buy that watch out of small change.He is certainly vulgar enough to do so but unlike Prawit there would be no suggestion of hanky panky.

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, robblok said:

Great post exactly my thinking. 

Finally you are getting it. Defending the indefensible must be tiring after a few years. Maybe better to admit you were wrong and suck it up. Then you can start to post honestly instead of spending your days defending a position that you clearly don’t even believe in yourself anymore. It takes a brave man to admit they were wrong but you won’t regret it.