Corruption Probes: Ministers Won't Point The Finger

[Jai Dee]

Attorney General to file charges against Ex-PM and wife on graft case

The Assets Examination Committee (AEC)’s general meeting yesterday (May, 14th) approves a report of AEC’s subcommittee on the investigation of the Ratchadaphisek land deal and will submit it to the Attorney General.

AEC Spokesman Sak Korsangruang (สัก กอแสงเรือง) says the Attorney General will use the report to file charges against the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, the owner of the Ratchadaphisek land. The charges will be filed with the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

According to AEC’s report, the ex-premier and his wife violated Articles 4, 100 (1), and 122 of the anti-corruption law and Articles 1, 33, 83, 86, 91, 152, and 157 of the criminal code.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 May 2007

[Mid]

[Jai Dee]

NCCC announces performance during past seven months

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) announces its performance and progress during the past seven months. NCCC has filed more than 50 charges against political officials and bureaucrats alleged of violating disciplinary regulations and criminal code.

NCCC Chairman Panthep Klanarongran (ปานเทพ กล้าณรงค์ราญ) and the other NCCC members held a press conference to announce its performance since they have taken office seven months. More than 13,000 lists of assets and liabilities have been inspected and nine political officials have not submitted their assets and liabilities list in time.

The chairman also reports during the press conference that NCCC has a project to promote the suppression and prevention of corruption in four regions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 May 2007

[sriracha john]

Seems all the Thai papers are using Suriya photos showing him as other than his typically happy-go-lucky self. From today's Naewna newspaper:

BREAKING NEWS

Suriya misses corruption probe, again

Thaksin-era transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit postponed his testimony to the ASC for the second time on Wednesday, claiming he was so ill he might even have to undergo an operation. His lawyer Boonsong Termwat claimed that Mr Suriya has passed blood, and was waiting for diagnosis from the Siriraj Hospital on whether an operation is necessary. Mr Boonsong said Mr Suriya would like to postpone his meeting with the ASC subcommittee for another 45 days, but chairman of the subcommittee Amnuay Tantara granted just a 30-day delay. He ordered Mr Suriya to testify to the ASC on June 1. Mr Suriya postponed the meeting with the ASC last month, claiming he was suffering from vertigo.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118476

UPDATE... well his 30 day delay is up and it's a NO SHOW AGAIN and now he's flown away

Suriya fails to show up

Suriya Jungrungreangkit sent his lawyer yesterday to give written testimony to the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) about corruption allegations concerning the purchase of CTX bomb-detectors for Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Paiboon Termwat arrived at the AEC in the morning in a bid to postpone Suriya's testimony before Amnuay Thantara, the chairman of the AEC subcommittee probing the allegations.

He said his client "was being hospitalised in the United States" and asked to postpone the testimony.

However, Amnuay's panel objected to the request, saying Suriya has already postponed giving testimony twice.

Paiboon then left, but returned later with a document containing Suriya's written defence against the corruption allegations.

He also submitted a doctor's certificate from Siriraj Hospital stating that the former deputy prime minister is sick.

* Mysteriously, it seems the doctor's certificate bears a striking resemblance to Suriya's own handwriting and is written with non-medical terminology and contains several strike-throughs:

"To Suriya's Teacher AEC Committee:

Please excuse little Suriya from attending school the investigative hearings.

He is very sicck [sic]. He is not feeling well and he got some blood in his poo-poo and his tummy hurt.

He will come to school the hearings when he feels better.

Signed, Suriya's Mom Doctor

Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka said Suriya could still testify in person before the AEC, but must show up by June 14. Meanwhile, a source at the AEC said that although Suriya must respond by the date, he could testify in writing if he was still in hospital.

- The Nation

Edited June 1, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

I wonder what hospital he is at? It is good to see that no more delays will be accepted.

[Rhys]

The Military ops does have in the SOP.... A Phonenix on the DUDE.. Stay tune..Not to worry it is taken care of quite well. it has already been played out in the the PI...

[Jai Dee]

AEC submits documentary evidence of Ratchadapisek land deal

President of the Subcommittee scrutinizing the Ratchadaphisek land purchase under the Assets Examination Committee (AEC), Udom Feungfung, (อุดม เฟื่องฟุ้ง), has submitted the Attorney-General additional documents related to Ratchadapisek land deal.

Mr. Udom says he has handed documents showing the issuance of bonds of funds for reviving and developing financial institution under Mr. Chuan Leekpai and Pol Lt Gen Thaksin Shinnawatra’s government. The documents will be used as evidences against Ratchadapisek land deal following the request of the Attorney-General. The documentary evidence is considered having more weight than words of witnesses.

Mr. Udom indicates the today’s meeting with the Attorney-General has not touched on other further investigation of the case.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 June 2007

[sriracha john]

Letter prompts final payment for scanners

US maker threatens to suspend airport service

Airports of Thailand (AoT) has agreed to facilitate the final payment to bomb scanner supplier GE InVision after receiving a warning letter from the US embassy. The letter said the American company had advised it would suspend services at Suvarnabhumi airport and inform US airlines and security agencies of the suspension if the takeover certificate, which enables the payment, was not issued. Acting AoT president Kulya Pakakrong said the board decided on Thursday to issue the takeover certificate (TOC) to GE InVision right away, without waiting for the investigation by the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) into reports the purchase of the luggage scanners was tainted by bribery and price inflation. The ASC has not replied to the AoT inquiry about the progress in the investigation, she said. The procurement committee of AoT proposed that the ASC investigation and the TOC issue should not be linked. GE InVision earlier sought the TOC, which it will present to get the final payment for the scanners from ITO Joint Venture, AoT's contractor of the whole Suvarnabhumi airport project. The last instalment totals US$5.2 million consisting of US$1.7 million for scanners and US$3.5 million in service fees.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Jun2007_news10.php

[Jai Dee]

Former Interior Minister Wattana could be prosecuted if found guilty

The Interior Minister, Mr. Aree Wongaraya, indicates that the Department of Lands must investigate former Interior Minister Wattana Asawahem’s malfeasance charge, and legal action has to be taken if he is found guilty.

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) states that Mr. Wattana could be involved with criminal malfeasance in regards to the land rights for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Klong Dan (คลองด่าน) district of Samut Prakan province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 June 2007

[hammered]

Former Interior Minister Wattana could be prosecuted if found guilty

The Interior Minister, Mr. Aree Wongaraya, indicates that the Department of Lands must investigate former Interior Minister Wattana Asawahem’s malfeasance charge, and legal action has to be taken if he is found guilty.

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) states that Mr. Wattana could be involved with criminal malfeasance in regards to the land rights for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Klong Dan (คลองด่าน) district of Samut Prakan province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 June 2007

Samut Prakan. Now wonder what political clan control that province? Mr. Wattana's demise would be a nice thing to see after many years of ignoring the law. Somehow I still think the old dog has.....

[Tony Clifton]

Former Interior Minister Wattana could be prosecuted if found guilty

The Interior Minister, Mr. Aree Wongaraya, indicates that the Department of Lands must investigate former Interior Minister Wattana Asawahem’s malfeasance charge, and legal action has to be taken if he is found guilty.

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) states that Mr. Wattana could be involved with criminal malfeasance in regards to the land rights for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Klong Dan (คลองด่าน) district of Samut Prakan province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 June 2007

Samut Prakan. Now wonder what political clan control that province? Mr. Wattana's demise would be a nice thing to see after many years of ignoring the law. Somehow I still think the old dog has.....

Wasn't it his son screaming at a police officer 2 weeks ago? "Don't you know who I am? Don't you know who my father is?"

[Mid]

AEC urged to charge Apirak over tainted deal

Mon, July 9, 2007 : Last updated 0:27 am

Subcommitte member slams decision to not indict ex-DSI chief, Democrats

An Assets Examin-ation Committee (AEC) sub-panel member is angry that Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin will not be charged over the controversial purchase of fire-fighting equipment for the city.

Sithichok Rawdkrutha has complained to AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem about the decision. He wants the governor and other Democrat leaders quizzed.

The committee panel probing fire-vehicle corruption headed by Prasert Boonsri will today ask the AEC to charge former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula and his deputy Pracha Maleenont, former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej, police Maj-General Athilak Tanchukiat and Somsak Kun-ngern for alleged involvement in the scandal.

A source said the panel voted five to two to charge a former Bangkok city clerk, but Prasert disapproved.

Bancha Khaengkhan

The Nation

[John K]

Apirak should not be charged. This all went on before he entered office and he even refused to sign documents that would have tied him to this. I certainly would not want to be charged for another persons crime. I remember this issue very clearly as it was going on. The chronological order of events clearly puts Apirak in the clear.

[Jai Dee]

BKK Governor expresses willingness to explain the purchase of fire fighter truck to the AEC

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) has expressed his willingness to explain the purchase of fire fighter truck estimated over 1.6 million baht to the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

The AEC Chairman Nam Yimyam (นาม ยิ้มแย้ม) has asked for more explanations concerning scandal procurement of fire fighter trucks. He says he is willing to give his utmost cooperation.

According to the Spokesperson to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Mr. Chanit Rungsang (ชนินทร์ รุ่งแสง), he believes some groups are trying to discredit the government and the CNS.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

[Tony Clifton]

BKK Governor expresses willingness to explain the purchase of fire fighter truck to the AEC

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) has expressed his willingness to explain the purchase of fire fighter truck estimated over 1.6 million baht to the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

The AEC Chairman Nam Yimyam (นาม ยิ้มแย้ม) has asked for more explanations concerning scandal procurement of fire fighter trucks. He says he is willing to give his utmost cooperation.

According to the Spokesperson to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Mr. Chanit Rungsang (ชนินทร์ รุ่งแสง), he believes some groups are trying to discredit the government and the CNS.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

Here's one guy you won't see pretending he has a bleeding rectum that needs to be treated in the USA, or a headache and irregular heart beat that needs to be treated in Singapore for two weeks or has more important business to attend to overseas.

[hammered]

I wonder where Samk is right now. I hope he too is not suffering severe ailments.

[Jai Dee]

NLA committee forwards corruption cases concerning Suvarnabhumi Airport to DSI

The committee scrutinizing the Suvarnabhumi Airport’s corruption cases under the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) forwards five cases concerning the airport, to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is one of the people the committee alleges of taking part in the corruption.

The committee’s chairman, Admiral Bannawit Kengrian (บรรณวิทย์ เก่งเรียน) and DSI Director-General Sunai Manomai-udom (สุนัย มะโนมัยอุดม) announce that the five cases including the concession of the King Power company, the concession of the airport’s security system, the procurement of trolleys and limousines, the 400-hertz electricity system, and the ventilation system.

The alleged people of the five corruption cases include politicians, state officials, private companies, as well as ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

The DSI Director-general affirms the department will expedite investigations into the cases. Cases with kickbacks of more than 100 million baht will be investigated without a need for approval from the DSI board.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 July 2007

[richardb]

Everyone must appreciate the fact that a change of government only changes the people carrying out the corruption.

Many of the officials serving under Mr sinatra obviously had their fingers in the pie so they cant accuse anyone as they will in turn be fingered.

A Thai once said to me that corruption in Thailand starts with the person collecting 5 baht for the use of the lavatory - they went on to explain: they collect your money yet dont clean or service the place.

When it comes to corruption in thailand the thasi are as complicated as their humour - slapstick!

Edited July 11, 2007 by richardb

[Jai Dee]

Permament Secretary's Office investigates 9 billion baht budget shortage

The Permanent Secretary's Office is expediting evaluation of budgetary shortages and corrupt practices in state enterprises.

The Inspector General to the Permanent Secretary's Office, Mr. Theerapat Santimethaneedol (ธีรภัทร สันติเมทนีดล), revealed that the Office of the Permanet Secretary is expediting investigations into budgetary shortages and corrupt practices at state enterprises. Mr. Theerapat affirms that corrupt officials would be prosecuted by the Criminal Court and would face disciplinary action.

As of June 30, 9 billion baht in fund shortages are being investigated. Approximately 69 percent of these budget shortages are believed to be due to corruption, and personal use of government property. State enterprised under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport are found to be facing the highest budget shortage. 819 civil cases, 1,002 criminal cases, and 744 incidents of disciplinary action have been conducted.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 July 2007

[Mid]

Permament Secretary's Office investigates 9 billion baht budget shortage

[Old Man River]

Everyone must appreciate the fact that a change of government only changes the people carrying out the corruption.

Many of the officials serving under Mr sinatra obviously had their fingers in the pie so they cant accuse anyone as they will in turn be fingered.

Corruption may well have been involved in some cases, but the main reason that has been reported for people not wanting to "point the finger" is that, for the most part, charges have only been brought against civil servants and not the big fish. The charges are for things like criminal malfeasance which has nothing to do with corruption, but rather a disagreement with decisions that were previously made.

Now, think about it. If it was you, would you really want to get involved if you didn't have to? Would your family want you to get involved?

[Jai Dee]

BKK Governor welcomes AEC investigation on fire engine case

Bangkok Governor (ผู้ว่าฯ กทม.) and Democrat Party member Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) says he is not worried about the Assets Examination Committee (AEC)'s (คณะกรรมการตรวจสอบการกระทำที่ก่อให้เกิดความเสียหายแก่รัฐ) decision to comprehensively investigate the fire engine procurement scandal from the beginning.

Mr. Apirak says he welcomes the investigation so the responsible culprits would be identified, and corruption problems would be truly solved. The Bangkok Governor says the investigation of the AEC also conforms with the Democrat Party’s policy in eradicating corruption.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

AEC dismisses news concerning changing head of sub-committee scrutinizing fire truck procurement case

Chairman of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) Nam Yimyam (นาม ยิ้มแย้ม) has shrugged off news claiming that Chairman of the sub-committee responsible for the fire truck procurement case will be replaced.

Mr. Nam affirms that the new appointment of the Chairman of the sub-committee has not been talked about in the AEC meeting yesterday.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the subcommittee on the asset seizure, Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka (จารุวรรณ เมณฑกา), is preparing to freeze additional bank accounts after the money in frozen banks has been reportedly transferred to other bank accounts.

In response to members of Shinawatra (ชินวัตร) family and Damapong (ดามาพงศ์) family’s refusal to give testimony to the AEC, Mr. Nam says he himself will sign an order to file charges against them. He says if they change their mind to give testimony, charges against them will not be withdrawn.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 July 2007

[Gary A]

Come on people, get a grip. The corruption CERTAINLY didn't start with the Thaksin regime. Thailand has always had the you don't tell on me and I won't tell on you scheme. I would bet with the next government that it will STILL be business as usual. The only way to make any progress on government corruption would be a GIANT purge that forbids any former politician from any office.

[sbk]

Come on people, get a grip. The corruption CERTAINLY didn't start with the Thaksin regime. Thailand has always had the you don't tell on me and I won't tell on you scheme. I would bet with the next government that it will STILL be business as usual. The only way to make any progress on government corruption would be a GIANT purge that forbids any former politician from any office.

I couldn't agree with you more, but I just don't see it happening.

[Tony Clifton]

Everyone must appreciate the fact that a change of government only changes the people carrying out the corruption.

Many of the officials serving under Mr sinatra obviously had their fingers in the pie so they cant accuse anyone as they will in turn be fingered.

Corruption may well have been involved in some cases, but the main reason that has been reported for people not wanting to "point the finger" is that, for the most part, charges have only been brought against civil servants and not the big fish. The charges are for things like criminal malfeasance which has nothing to do with corruption, but rather a disagreement with decisions that were previously made.

Now, think about it. If it was you, would you really want to get involved if you didn't have to? Would your family want you to get involved?

Some have also disappeared or been murdered before they could point a finger.

[Gary A]

The longer I am here in Thailand the more I realize that Thai politics is an even dirtier thing than I had thought. My wife and I live out in the boonies. She has always been quite apolitical. She did at one time think that Thaksin was good for Thailand but has now gone totally the other way. The smear campaigns are working well. While some of the accusations are probably true, others are plain ridiculous lies that if true would have landed him in prison long ago. It reminds me of professional wrestling. Some people actually believe that it is the real thing.

[Jai Dee]

PNAC call for public attention in politics and alert for anti-corruption

The People’s Network Against Corruption (PNAC) says public strength will be the key factor for suppressing corruption.

At the National Counter Corruption Commission of the People seminar, PNAC Secretary-General Weera Somkwamkid (วีระ สมความคิด) revealed that the PNAC has been established since 1996, and during Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra's administration, he had promised to support the anti-corruption campaign. However, Mr. Weera said the government of Dr. Thaksin did not provide any support for the PNAC.

The National Counter Corruption Commission of the People seminar was jointly organized by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the Council of National Security (CNS) in Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) province on July 23rd.

Mr.Veera said the interim government of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and the CNS are addressing corruption cases and also supporting the PNAC's work. He views that the government should call for more public involvement and raise social awareness, adding that he will set up a public committee fund and gather all the politician database as the information center for the public.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 July 2007

[Plus]

The longer I am here in Thailand the more I realize that Thai politics is an even dirtier thing than I had thought. My wife and I live out in the boonies. She has always been quite apolitical. She did at one time think that Thaksin was good for Thailand but has now gone totally the other way. The smear campaigns are working well. While some of the accusations are probably true, others are plain ridiculous lies that if true would have landed him in prison long ago. It reminds me of professional wrestling. Some people actually believe that it is the real thing.

Who would have landed him in prison without his personal and explicit instructions?

While many charges didn't stick or are long forgotten, many others WILL eventually land him in prison if he doesn't come around and cooperate with courts.

He has effectively lost most of his money already and his family have been served with warrants. Things are not looking good at the moment. All of that would have been impossible if he stayed in power and maybe that's why he acted with such impunity that it seemed ridiculous to believe he really said or did this or that. "UN is not my father" was a classic.

[slapout]

" We serenely fill great numbers of our minor and major public offices with ignoramuses " A quote from Mark Twain which I think if he were alive today he may include the (We) as being a part of of this group.