Corruption Probes: Ministers Won't Point The Finger

[sriracha john]

I still recount Sonthi saying that the big news will be made on these pending cases within the April/May timeframe... and that the evidence will be forthcoming then as the cases come to court, so there is still time remaining... but precious little.

Sonthi pointed out that the Assets Examination Committee was set to make key decisions on cases involving politicians from the previous administration, and that the Constitution Tribunal would rule on electoral fraud cases against the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties, the source said.

"There will be all kinds of mobs to increase pressure and create confusion.

The two posts go hand in hand....

Batten down the hatches and prepare for rough seas ahead

[John K]

I still recount Sonthi saying that the big news will be made on these pending cases within the April/May timeframe... and that the evidence will be forthcoming then as the cases come to court, so there is still time remaining... but precious little.

Sonthi pointed out that the Assets Examination Committee was set to make key decisions on cases involving politicians from the previous administration, and that the Constitution Tribunal would rule on electoral fraud cases against the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties, the source said.

"There will be all kinds of mobs to increase pressure and create confusion.

The two posts go hand in hand....

Batten down the hatches and prepare for rough seas ahead

I too recall the statement about the time frame. However making a statement like that without some sort of disclaimer is a bit risky. There are too many things outside of his control that can cause delays and it would make him look bad if he went past the time frame. Add that to the title of this thread and you can see the complications.

Yes it is not too difficult to see Thaksin is at the root of all the problems both past (in court) and present (street rallies and protests.) I hope it rains a lot on rally days.

[Old Man River]

We could get into rampant speculation. Maybe AMLO has done secret investigations and these show Mr. Ts money has left the country since the coup - equally embarrassing for the Junta. Maybe secret investigations show links to parties to be protected. There could be many reasons why a secret investigation would not be spoken about. However, it is more likely that no investigation has been done due to some bureaucratic reason such as someone in the chain of command has not given an order.

I am also not sure how easy a secret investigation would be as an investigation probably requires documents ordering banks or individuals to surrender information. Maybe someone with a more finacial background could enlighten us on the process of an investigation.

An investigation into money trails would be just as you have said, requiring financial institutions to report all transactions they have on record involving certain people and/or companies. However, after thinking further about it, this type of investigation would be more difficult than I first mentioned as any unlawful payments would most probably be made in cash over a period of time and spread out to different people (spouses, other relatives, trusted individuals etc.). While money can be traced internationally (governments usually comply with other governments in these cases), payments could end up in BVI type of accounts, in which case information stops.

Also, as you have mentioned, a full scale AMLO type of investigation would be difficult to do secretly. This was seen several years ago when Thaksin ordered AMLO to investigate various people at The Nation for articles they had written. It wasn't long before this also was in the newspapers.

[hammered]

We could get into rampant speculation. Maybe AMLO has done secret investigations and these show Mr. Ts money has left the country since the coup - equally embarrassing for the Junta. Maybe secret investigations show links to parties to be protected. There could be many reasons why a secret investigation would not be spoken about. However, it is more likely that no investigation has been done due to some bureaucratic reason such as someone in the chain of command has not given an order.

I am also not sure how easy a secret investigation would be as an investigation probably requires documents ordering banks or individuals to surrender information. Maybe someone with a more finacial background could enlighten us on the process of an investigation.

An investigation into money trails would be just as you have said, requiring financial institutions to report all transactions they have on record involving certain people and/or companies. However, after thinking further about it, this type of investigation would be more difficult than I first mentioned as any unlawful payments would most probably be made in cash over a period of time and spread out to different people (spouses, other relatives, trusted individuals etc.). While money can be traced internationally (governments usually comply with other governments in these cases), payments could end up in BVI type of accounts, in which case information stops.

Also, as you have mentioned, a full scale AMLO type of investigation would be difficult to do secretly. This was seen several years ago when Thaksin ordered AMLO to investigate various people at The Nation for articles they had written. It wasn't long before this also was in the newspapers.

Thanks for confirming that process and the difficulty. I have enough problems following my own financial trails over a period of months.

[slimdog]

The 23rd statement of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM)

The previous administration was terminated on suspicion of abusing its power for its members' or groups' personal interests, causing great damage to the country. The CDRM therefore issued an order for asset investigation as follows:

(1) An asset-investigation committee will include:

1. Sawat Chotepanit as chairman

2. The Auditor-General as a committee member

3. The Attorney-General or representative as a committee member

4. The secretary-general of the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NCCC) or representative as a committee member

5. The secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) or representative as a committee member

6. The Judge Advocate-General or representative as a committee member

7. The Bank of Thailand governor or representative as a committee member

8. The secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or representative as a committee member

The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) was assigned to do administrative tasks and any jobs assigned by the committee.

(2) When the committee finds any projects with evidence of a lack of transparency, or any people involved in corruption or becoming unusually wealthy, the committee is authorised to seize or freeze their assets, including the assets of their spouses and immature children.

To allow the committee to investigate, the asset-investigation committee is also authorised according to the following laws:

1. The 1999 Anti-Money Laundering Act

2. The 1999 National Counter-Corruption Act

3. The Code of Revenue, by authorising the committee with the Revenue Department director-general's authority in seizing, suspending and bringing the assets to auctions.

The investigation committee can ask for and use all or part of the investigation results of the OAG. It can also ask for cooperation from the NCCC, AMLO or the administration office.

(3) The investigation committee can give the names of people believed to have acted wrongfully, and those of their spouses and immature children, to monetary institutions, the SEC, Land Department, Revenue Department and related agencies, as well as the holders of their assets or relevant documents, and call for information about their business transactions.

The SEC is authorised to order security firms to give such information to the SEC and the investigation committee.

(4) In the case of people whose assets are seized or suspended according to (2), or fail to give information as (3) or decline to turn in assets to the investigation committee or transfer the suspended assets, the assets could be considered illegal.

Agencies failing to cooperate according to (3) must be responsible for any damage caused by not cooperating.

(5) The investigation committee is authorised to cancel the seizure of assets or suspension in cases when people can prove being the real owner of the assets and acquiring assets legally.

(6) In cases where the investigation committee concludes the people under suspicion had committed wrongful conduct or malfeasance, the committee must report and send its comment to the Attorney-General to take legal action according to the National Counter-Corruption Act and related laws.

(7) The committee is authorised to appoint a sub-committee to accomplish its work.

(8) The committee is assigned to accomplish its work within one year of this statement. After one year, it must pass unfinished cases to the AMLO, NCCC and OAG to finish the cases as appropriate.

Announced on September 24, 2006

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin

Chairman of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy

[marshbags]

B.Post BREAKING NEWS 16:34

Quote:-

PTV sues defence minister for defamation

(BangkokPost.com) - Operators of PTV sued Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas with the Criminal Court on Wednesday for defamation.

The operators, led by Veera Muksikapong, Chatuporn Phronpan and Nattawut Saikua, appeared at the court with their lawyer to file a charge against Gen Boonrawd for allegedly claiming that the operators received financial support to run the satellite television from an old power clique.

Mr Veera said Gen Boonrawd's accusation damaged sovereignty, which was unforgiveable crime.

Unquote.

Please go to the following url for the rest:-

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118327

Oh well here we go again

Will this sort of mischief making ever end, it is just counter productive and causes yet more unrest and attempted diversions from the important issues.

Yet another action made famous by you know who to cause instability ect. ect. ect.....

marshbags

Edited April 25, 2007 by marshbags

[marshbags]

The Nation

April 25, 2007 : Last updated 05:32 pm (Thai local time)

Breaking news

Thaksin denies he is financing ex TRT MPs

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has denied he is providing financial support to politicians and asked the junta to stop being suspicious of him.

Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal advisor said he had reported the news about the Anti-Money Laundering Office's (Amlo) claim that old power groups had paid former MPs to carry out political activities aimed at toppling the regime.

The ousted premier is also monitoring the news, said Noppadon.

"It is a political move to discredit Thaksin. However, Thaksin told me to tell the Council National for Security that he has no need to provide financial support because he has no wish to return to politics," the lawyer said

From url:- http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30032686

Yet another Honest/ Dishonest Denial courtesy of rent a mouth and paid mega bucks to do it of course... " Noppadon Pattama "

marshbags

Edited April 25, 2007 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

Yes- but I think that this article, prompting our latest flurry, is actually Charnchai's (justice) reponse to a story leaked by ALMO to the media that it was (illegally) investigating claims that TRT has funded activities to bring down the gov't- to the tune of 3 million baht.

AMLO caught between a rock and a hard place (because they can't make an investigation unless formally ordered to do so) said- we haven't -nor are we making such a claim.

If there is no investigation going on- then someone in AMLO has lied. Unless it can show that not only is there no investigation going on, but AMLO never said there was.

Yet that the claim existed is lent credibility by the demand by the CPD to see the proof (lest TRT legitimately complain of 'illegal harrassment'.)

That's my understanding but I could be wrong. If so I welcome clarification. I am basing this on the story here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1265499

Is anyone aware of such a claim- made by AMLO? Apparantly it exists- but what the wording was- how it was leaked- no clue. Link would be appreciated.

Is there anyone, besides the slightly dubious Chaturon, making this claim that the AMLO is, in fact, investigating the TRT MP's in the North and Northeast? Has he provided any documentation for this? Has the CPD asked to see the proof from Chaturon? If AMLO is denying the investigations, what evidence is there that is contrary to that?

Yes. CPD's Suriyasai appears to take it as fact that the claims were made. For it was he who demanded the gov't reveal the evidence it had. He did NOT demand that the TRT provide evidence that the claim had been made in the first place.

It sounds like one of the loose cannons in the gov't (there are a few) made a stupid statement, unintentionally implicating the AMLO. - but I don't know- the story linked to above, sounds like the sequel to another story- (the original allegations) which somehow- the newspaper forgot to print- unless both you and I missed reports of the original allegation.

Finally there's some definitive confirmation regarding Chaturon's allegations against the AMLO... and it comes from an extremely reliable source.....Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's lawyer.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1270230

:BIG EYE ROLL:

Edited April 25, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Too late to edit the above post.... but in catching up with this thread, I just noticed the same article referenced in my post from another thread is also in the post just preceding my post above in this thread....

These are, indeed, confusing times in which we live.

Edited April 25, 2007 by sriracha john

[blaze]

Too late to edit the above post.... but in catching up with this thread, I just noticed the same article referenced in my post from another thread is also in the post just preceding my post above in this thread....

These are, indeed, confusing times in which we live.

Confusing indeed- I followed your link but didn't see anything about AMLO- only an interview given in Japan.

[sriracha john]

Too late to edit the above post.... but in catching up with this thread, I just noticed the same article referenced in my post from another thread is also in the post just preceding my post above in this thread....

These are, indeed, confusing times in which we live.

Confusing indeed- I followed your link but didn't see anything about AMLO- only an interview given in Japan.

Hmm... linking specific posts is sometimes problematic, but anyway, Post #223 in this thread has the story regarding the ever-truthful attorney.

[Jai Dee]

MOJ prepares to extend expiration of corruption terms from 20 to 30 years

The Ministry of Justice will propose laws that would extend corruption prosecution expiration terms from 20 to 30 years.

Justice Minister Charnchai Likhitchita says the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has submitted several revision of Parliamentary laws yesterday, including allowing handicapped MPs into Parliament if they are capable of working, in order to extend political rights to all individuals.

Mr. Charnchai says the NLA is also dicussing anti-corruption measures which may extend the expiration terms of corruption and malfeasance cases from 20 to 30 years in order to allow greater opportunities to prosecute corrupt officials. He says the law can still only be considered a decree due to many legal constraints which must be overcome.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

11 independent political organizations call for NCCC probe of CNS

11 organizations have called on the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to probe the assets of the Council of National Security (CNS) members before and after they assumed power.

The Democracy Confederation, the Anti-Coup Movement, and 11 other independent political groups led by Dr. Weng Thowchirakarn (เหวง โตจิราการ) traveled to the NCCC headquarters, calling for probes into the assets and debts of members of the Council for National Security (CNS) following their ascension to power since September 19, 2006.

These indepedent political entities asked the NCCC to investigate the Commander in Chief of the Army and Chairman of the CNS, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, along with the Deputy Chairman of the CNS, the Secretary General of the CNS, and all CNS members. The political groups said that since these individuals are working as state officials, the NCCC Decree apply to them.

Dr. Weng said that the public were entitled to clear and transparent insight into how the CNS worked.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

[sriracha john]

11 independent political organizations call for NCCC probe of CNS

11 organizations have called on the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to probe the assets of the Council of National Security (CNS) members before and after they assumed power.

The Democracy Confederation, the Anti-Coup Movement, and 11 other independent political groups led by Dr. Weng Thowchirakarn (เหวง โตจิราการ) traveled to the NCCC headquarters, calling for probes into the assets and debts of members of the Council for National Security (CNS) following their ascension to power since September 19, 2006.

These indepedent political entities asked the NCCC to investigate the Commander in Chief of the Army and Chairman of the CNS, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, along with the Deputy Chairman of the CNS, the Secretary General of the CNS, and all CNS members. The political groups said that since these individuals are working as state officials, the NCCC Decree apply to them.

Dr. Weng said that the public were entitled to clear and transparent insight into how the CNS worked.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

Seems an obvious attempt to equate legitimacy to their claims with a high number ("11 organizations").

What is the background of these previously unheard of groups?

What are all the names of these 11 groups?

Where does their funding come from?

What are the actual individual membership numbers in each group? 2? 3?

[John K]

11 independent political organizations call for NCCC probe of CNS

11 organizations have called on the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to probe the assets of the Council of National Security (CNS) members before and after they assumed power.

The Democracy Confederation, the Anti-Coup Movement, and 11 other independent political groups led by Dr. Weng Thowchirakarn (เหวง โตจิราการ) traveled to the NCCC headquarters, calling for probes into the assets and debts of members of the Council for National Security (CNS) following their ascension to power since September 19, 2006.

These indepedent political entities asked the NCCC to investigate the Commander in Chief of the Army and Chairman of the CNS, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, along with the Deputy Chairman of the CNS, the Secretary General of the CNS, and all CNS members. The political groups said that since these individuals are working as state officials, the NCCC Decree apply to them.

Dr. Weng said that the public were entitled to clear and transparent insight into how the CNS worked.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

Seems an obvious attempt to equate legitimacy to their claims with a high number ("11 organizations").

What is the background of these previously unheard of groups?

What are all the names of these 11 groups?

Where does their funding come from?

What are the actual individual membership numbers in each group? 2? 3?

Good catch SJ, the news article amounts to a lot of nothing without names.

[marshbags]

Too late to edit the above post.... but in catching up with this thread, I just noticed the same article referenced in my post from another thread is also in the post just preceding my post above in this thread....

These are, indeed, confusing times in which we live.

That goes for all of us, S.J., with so much going on it,s not surprising.

Let us hope for understanding on unintentional duplication from our fellow posters.

marshbags

[younghusband]

11 independent political organizations call for NCCC probe of CNS

11 organizations have called on the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to probe the assets of the Council of National Security (CNS) members before and after they assumed power.

The Democracy Confederation, the Anti-Coup Movement, and 11 other independent political groups led by Dr. Weng Thowchirakarn (เหวง โตจิราการ) traveled to the NCCC headquarters, calling for probes into the assets and debts of members of the Council for National Security (CNS) following their ascension to power since September 19, 2006.

These indepedent political entities asked the NCCC to investigate the Commander in Chief of the Army and Chairman of the CNS, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, along with the Deputy Chairman of the CNS, the Secretary General of the CNS, and all CNS members. The political groups said that since these individuals are working as state officials, the NCCC Decree apply to them.

Dr. Weng said that the public were entitled to clear and transparent insight into how the CNS worked.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

Seems an obvious attempt to equate legitimacy to their claims with a high number ("11 organizations").

What is the background of these previously unheard of groups?

What are all the names of these 11 groups?

Where does their funding come from?

What are the actual individual membership numbers in each group? 2? 3?

Seems a perfectly reasonable request to me to me, and I think you are wrong to suggest any "claims" are being made.Regardless of the provenance of these 11 groups, I suspect most Thais would like the junta to be subject to the same strict ethical scrutiny as other politicians and officials.Furthermore it seems odd to me that you focus on those who pose the question rather than the question itself.But perhaps you believe they are in Thaksin's pay, the usual mantra to excuse the lies,incompetence and arrogance of this illegal government.

[LaoPo]

Dr. Weng said that the public were entitled to clear and transparent insight into how the CNS worked.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

Well, Dr. Weng, you're being served:

An extremely interesting interview with Media Tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul* and I strongly suggest the TV readers to read the complete 3 pages interview; quite an opening insight view from the man who started it all...

* Sondhi Limthongkul (left) named "Man of the Year 2006" along with Sonthi Boonyaratkalin

Here:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/ID27Ae01.html

and here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=118049&hl=

LaoPo

Edited April 26, 2007 by LaoPo

[blaze]

Thank you for the post LaoPo.

Probably the most important single item that has showed up on this sub-forum.

It requires a separate thread because it will engender a huge amount of debate.

[hammered]

Thank you for the post LaoPo.

Probably the most important single item that has showed up on this sub-forum.

It requires a separate thread because it will engender a huge amount of debate.

Whatever we choose to think of Sondhi, he is a guy that has been allied with and spurned by both sides in the power struggle, and so who can probably tell the story closer to the truth than anyone else - particularly those still linked to either side. No doubt there will be a lot of debate as to whether his analysis is actually honest or self serving. It may also give rise to some who in the past criticised Sondhi actually welcoming this, and some who praised him rejecting it. For those few trying to look for a middle way though it will look pretty realistic even if there is a bit of Sondhi's self agrandisement in there.

[younghusband]

Thank you for the post LaoPo.

Probably the most important single item that has showed up on this sub-forum.

It requires a separate thread because it will engender a huge amount of debate.

Whatever we choose to think of Sondhi, he is a guy that has been allied with and spurned by both sides in the power struggle, and so who can probably tell the story closer to the truth than anyone else - particularly those still linked to either side. No doubt there will be a lot of debate as to whether his analysis is actually honest or self serving. It may also give rise to some who in the past criticised Sondhi actually welcoming this, and some who praised him rejecting it. For those few trying to look for a middle way though it will look pretty realistic even if there is a bit of Sondhi's self agrandisement in there.

I agree with your comments.While I am far from being an admirer of Sondhi - essentially he's an opportunist - and I differ from his account of events in some particular details, there is enough substance in his analysis to make it worth reading.As far as this forum is concerned, anything that defines the admittedly intricate context better and steers discussion away from the simple minded question, "are you for against Thaksin?", is going to be of benefit.The central questions of Thai politics are not really about the Thaksin issue anymore.

[hammered]

Thank you for the post LaoPo.

Probably the most important single item that has showed up on this sub-forum.

It requires a separate thread because it will engender a huge amount of debate.

I agree a seperate thread would be good for this. Infact the Thaksin/previous government/undercurrents/PTV threads are getting very long and mixed up right now. imho

[Jai Dee]

Thank you for the post LaoPo.

Probably the most important single item that has showed up on this sub-forum.

It requires a separate thread because it will engender a huge amount of debate.

I agree a seperate thread would be good for this. Infact the Thaksin/previous government/undercurrents/PTV threads are getting very long and mixed up right now. imho

This subject is now running in a separate thread in the General Forum.

See this topic.

[Jai Dee]

Official takes action against insult

Assets Examination Committee (AEC) chairman Nam Yimyaem yesterday lodged a complaint with the police, claiming that Thai Rak Thai Party acting leader Chaturon Chaisang had insulted him and his 10 colleagues as state officials.

In his statement to the Crime Suppression Division, Nam said Chaturon had violated the sanctity of his office as per Article 136 of the Criminal Code. As evidence, he submitted Chaturon's remarks as reported by the press on April 17.

In his interview, Chaturon said: "The AEC members should not be trying to extend the term of office but reform [themselves] from acting like a kangaroo court." Under the Criminal Code, an insult against state officials cannot be settled out of court, unlike the charge for libel.

If found guilty, Chaturon could face a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to Bt2,000.

Source: The Nation - 28 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Pridiyathorn tops latest NCCC

The National Counter Corruption Commission yesterday released the financial statements of five past and present Cabinet members, including former deputy prime minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, who is a member of the "billionaires' club".

From his statement filed 30 days after leaving his office in March, Pridiyathorn had Bt730 million in assets, a slight drop from Bt754 million when he took office last October.

His wife Praphaphan has a net worth of Bt283 million, while his daughter Pudjeep has Bt7 million.

When holding office as deputy prime minister and finance minister, he and his wife put about half of their assets in securities and savings accounts. Their combined wealth in securities and other investments is worth Bt565 million.

They have Bt89 million in savings.

Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham declared his assets again after he took office last month concurrent with his portfolio for social development and human security.

Paiboon has a net worth of Bt31 million, and his wife Khunying Jada has Bt318 million.

His wealth comprises five savings accounts and shares in listed companies. His wife has 15 pieces of land worth Bt83 million.

A newcomer in last month's Cabinet line-up, Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn has a net worth of Bt85 million.

His assets include 12 plots worth Bt55 million, and the rest is in saving accounts and shares of listed companies. He holds the rights to six concession contracts, and his portion of those rights is worth Bt694,500.

Deputy Public Health Minister Morakot Kornkasem, another newcomer, has Bt5 million, and his wife Wandee has Bt49 million, including seven plots worth Bt40 million.

The final newcomer to the Cabinet, Deputy Social Development and Human Security Minister Poladej Pinpratheep, has a net worth of Bt26 million.

His wife Wani has Bt7.8 million, and his daughter Sawanya has Bt11,879.

Source: The Nation - 28 April 2007

[LaoPo]

Pridiyathorn tops latest NCCC

The National Counter Corruption Commission yesterday released the financial statements of five past and present Cabinet members, including former deputy prime minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, who is a member of the "billionaires' club".

From his statement filed 30 days after leaving his office in March, Pridiyathorn had Bt730 million in assets, a slight drop from Bt754 million when he took office last October.

His wife Praphaphan has a net worth of Bt283 million, while his daughter Pudjeep has Bt7 million.

When holding office as deputy prime minister and finance minister, he and his wife put about half of their assets in securities and savings accounts. Their combined wealth in securities and other investments is worth Bt565 million.

They have Bt89 million in savings.

Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham declared his assets again after he took office last month concurrent with his portfolio for social development and human security.

Paiboon has a net worth of Bt31 million, and his wife Khunying Jada has Bt318 million.

His wealth comprises five savings accounts and shares in listed companies. His wife has 15 pieces of land worth Bt83 million.

A newcomer in last month's Cabinet line-up, Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn has a net worth of Bt85 million.

His assets include 12 plots worth Bt55 million, and the rest is in saving accounts and shares of listed companies. He holds the rights to six concession contracts, and his portion of those rights is worth Bt694,500.

Deputy Public Health Minister Morakot Kornkasem, another newcomer, has Bt5 million, and his wife Wandee has Bt49 million, including seven plots worth Bt40 million.

The final newcomer to the Cabinet, Deputy Social Development and Human Security Minister Poladej Pinpratheep, has a net worth of Bt26 million.

His wife Wani has Bt7.8 million, and his daughter Sawanya has Bt11,879.

Source: The Nation - 28 April 2007

Poor girl !

Question:

Isn't there anybody on TV who could write a -bestseller- book about the wealth..(and HOW they accomplished it) of the Thai elite ?

Prefer it in English though....

LaoPo

[Jai Dee]

AEC to sue TRT leader

Respresentatives of the Asset Examination Committee are filing a lawsuit against the Leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party for insulting state officials.

Asset Examination Committee representatives have filed a police report against Mr. Jaturon Chaisang (จาตุรนต์ ฉายแสง ), the Interim leader of the Thai Rak Thai party, for insulting state officials. Mr. Jaturon allegedly made derogatory comments in his criticism of the AEC during an interview on April 16. Mr. Jaturon also accused the AEC of being a tool for the Council for National Security.

AEC representatives said that Mr. Jaturon's comments may also constitute defamation, though the AEC Chairman, Mr. Nam Yimyam (นาม ยิ้มแย้ม ), is reportedly not pressing for this more severe charge. Meanwhile crime suppression investigators will be requesting authorization from the Central Investigation Bureau in order to proceed with the case, due to the non-criminal nature of charges.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 April 2007

[sriracha john]

The ever-amused Former Thaksin Cabinet Minister of Transportation Suriya Jungrungreangkit

Former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Justice and Thaksin brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat (center) along with his ever-so-lovely wife, the Former Thai Rak Thai MP from Chiang Mai and Thaksin sister Yaowapa Wongsawat (right), with Former Thaksin Cabinet Minister of Justice Pongthep Thepkarnchana (left)

Suriya misses corruption probe

Former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit yesterday postponed a meeting with the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) to discuss his alleged corruption in the purchase of CTX bomb-detection scanners for the new airport, claiming he was ill.

A lawyer for the former minister, Boonsong Termwat, said after explaining to the AEC that Suriya would testify on May 2.

Former MP Anucha Nakasai, who is Suriya's secretary, said Suriya intended to meet the AEC but the former transport minister was "suffering from vertigo".

He said Suriya had asked the AEC to postpone his testimony for three months. However, the AEC allowed only a 15-day delay.

Meanwhile, former permanent secretary for justice Somchai Wongsawat, who is facing similar charges as a former member of Airports of Thailand Plc board of directors, reported to the AEC yesterday.

Somchai, who is a brother-in-law of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said the purchase of the CTX bomb scanners was legal.

- The Nation

UPDATE

The Thaksin Lackie's are still delaying.... delaying....

Slow progress in CTX hearing

The graft hearing on indictments relating to the CTX bomb-detector equipment scandal has made a little headway, albeit slowly, after two senior officials gave evasive statements on Friday in a bid to distance themselves from the case.

The hearing will reconvene on Wednesday for more questioning of the two officials, who played a vital role in recommending the purchase and installation of the equipment at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

"It is frustrating that former airport director Somchai Sawasdipol blamed his subordinates for all the wrongdoing on his watch," Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka said yesterday in reference to Friday's hearing.

Appointed by the Assets Examination Committee, Jaruvan is a panel member drawing up corruption charges in the CTX case before moving on to the prosecution stage.

Another official giving a statement was Theerawat Chatrapimuk, a close aide to former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Contrary to written evidence, Theerawat told the panel he had had no involvement in the decision to buy the equipment.

Juruvan and panel chairman Amnuay Tantara viewed his statement as uncooperative and wanted him to testify again on pertinent issues they said he was trying to evade.

- The Nation

Edited April 28, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The ever-amused Former Thaksin Cabinet Minister of Transportation Suriya Jungrungreangkit

Former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Justice and Thaksin brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat (center) along with his ever-so-lovely wife, the Former Thai Rak Thai MP from Chiang Mai and Thaksin sister Yaowapa Wongsawat (right), with Former Thaksin Cabinet Minister of Justice Pongthep Thepkarnchana (left)

Suriya misses corruption probe

Former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit yesterday postponed a meeting with the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) to discuss his alleged corruption in the purchase of CTX bomb-detection scanners for the new airport, claiming he was ill.

A lawyer for the former minister, Boonsong Termwat, said after explaining to the AEC that Suriya would testify on May 2.

Former MP Anucha Nakasai, who is Suriya's secretary, said Suriya intended to meet the AEC but the former transport minister was "suffering from vertigo".

He said Suriya had asked the AEC to postpone his testimony for three months. However, the AEC allowed only a 15-day delay.

Meanwhile, former permanent secretary for justice Somchai Wongsawat, who is facing similar charges as a former member of Airports of Thailand Plc board of directors, reported to the AEC yesterday.

Somchai, who is a brother-in-law of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said the purchase of the CTX bomb scanners was legal.

- The Nation

UPDATE

The Thaksin Lackie's are still delaying.... delaying....

Slow progress in CTX hearing

The graft hearing on indictments relating to the CTX bomb-detector equipment scandal has made a little headway, albeit slowly, after two senior officials gave evasive statements on Friday in a bid to distance themselves from the case.

The hearing will reconvene on Wednesday for more questioning of the two officials, who played a vital role in recommending the purchase and installation of the equipment at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

"It is frustrating that former airport director Somchai Sawasdipol blamed his subordinates for all the wrongdoing on his watch," Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka said yesterday in reference to Friday's hearing.

Appointed by the Assets Examination Committee, Jaruvan is a panel member drawing up corruption charges in the CTX case before moving on to the prosecution stage.

Another official giving a statement was Theerawat Chatrapimuk, a close aide to former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Contrary to written evidence, Theerawat told the panel he had had no involvement in the decision to buy the equipment.

Juruvan and panel chairman Amnuay Tantara viewed his statement as uncooperative and wanted him to testify again on pertinent issues they said he was trying to evade.

- The Nation

Unbelievably he asks for YET MORE DELAY....

He looks uncharacteristically grim in today's Thai Rath photo:

Suriya requests another delay to his AEC date in CTX scanners case

Former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has deferred his appointed meeting with the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) over alleged corruption in the purchase of the CTX 9000 airport X-ray scanning machines and conveyor belt.

It is the second time Suriya has postponed the meeting, citing health reasons.

Suriya's lawyer Boonsong Termwat said the former minister had been admitted to Siriraj Hospital and asked to have the appointment postponed 45 days. The lawyer said Suriya was suffering from nausea and emitting blood through excretion. * the possibilities of punch-lines to this set-up line are almost limitless *

The committee has yet to decide whether it will allow Suriya to postpone his scheduled appearance another 45 days. A meeting will be held this morning to consider his request.

- The Nation

Edited May 1, 2007 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

I`d be shittin' blood too at the thought of being found guilty and going to jail.

Poor lil`slimy shrimp.