Corruption Probes: Ministers Won't Point The Finger

[hammered]

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

For those who remember the censure debate Suriya is in a lot more trouble than most ex-TRT. It really sems like there is enough evidence to bring him down. Dont be surprised if he tries to sick his way until there is an elected government again that he feels he will be able to pressurise in one way or another.

[John K]

Siriraj Hospital has some very nice meeting rooms. Perhaps the AEC could make a road trip and see him there. I have made calls to hospitals to see people and trust me it’s no big deal unless you eat there.

[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

[sriracha john]

"vertigo"..... "emitting blood through excretion"....

Las Vegas Online started a lottery on what pops up on June 1.

I'm putting 20 baht down on "low blood pressure." Hey, if it worked to get the ex-Election Commissioner freed from prison, it's do-able.

As a back-up, I'll put another 20 baht down on "suspected bird flu." I realize it's a long-shot, but the payoff, according to the Las Vegas oddsmakers, is currently an attractive 90 to 1.

[cclub75]

Could we blame the poor Suriya ? Of course not. He's playing his cards.

The real question, the real issue is : why ASC is working since... many month on the CTX scanners case ?

The matter is obvious. I remember even Bangkok Post, and more than one year ago, explained the story.

A thai individual was the middle man. His work ? Just to send the order by fax to the US supplier. And after that, he sent an invoice, grossly inflated to AOT. With a few hundred millions THB made during the process.

Where is this guy ? Who is he ? Where is the money ?

If the thai gvt was, only 5 minutes serious about this matter, the case would be already solved.

I know.... i know what you're thinking. They are so stupid that they need committees and sub-panels with dozen of staff to investigate any case... But no, at one point, and even by thai standards, you have to admit that this is nothing less than a Benny Hill Show.

There is no, real and serious, political will to solve the CTX scandal (which again, is one of the easiest one, from a technical point of view, much less complicated than the Shin deal)...

Edited May 2, 2007 by cclub75

[John K]

Let me check my list of available phobias. Perhaps caughtacorruptphobia. I would certainly need to check what therapy methods would be used to help him overcome that. He by chance has not been looking for property in the UK has he?

[hammered]

Could we blame the poor Suriya ? Of course not. He's playing his cards.

The real question, the real issue is : why ASC is working since... many month on the CTX scanners case ?

The matter is obvious. I remember even Bangkok Post, and more than one year ago, explained the story.

A thai individual was the middle man. His work ? Just to send the order by fax to the US supplier. And after that, he sent an invoice, grossly inflated to AOT. With a few hundred millions THB made during the process.

Where is this guy ? Who is he ? Where is the money ?

If the thai gvt was, only 5 minutes serious about this matter, the case would be already solved.

I know.... i know what you're thinking. They are so stupid that they need committees and sub-panels with dozen of staff to investigate any case... But no, at one point, and even by thai standards, you have to admit that this is nothing less than a Benny Hill Show.

There is no, real and serious, political will to solve the CTX scandal (which again, is one of the easiest one, from a technical point of view, much less complicated than the Shin deal)...

That is a very believable scenario imho. How many corrupt senior Thai politicians have ever been sent to jail?

[ratcatcher]

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

ASS ets Scrutiny Commitee? Probes? No wonder he's "$hit scared".

[John K]

From the photos he does not look too old. Does anyone know his age?

I would guess he is describing the physical symptoms of a very a long relationship with Thaksin.

(take that any way you want)

[Tony Clifton]

[sriracha john]

From the photos he does not look too old. Does anyone know his age?

I would guess he is describing the physical symptoms of a very a long relationship with Thaksin.

(take that any way you want)

He turned 52 last December 10th.

[Jai Dee]

Scandals to be probed

Incoming Deputy Public Health Minister Vallop Thaineua will oversee investigations into two of the ministry's biggest corruption scandals.

They surround its Bt900-million computer procurement and Bt340-million ambulance procurement.

"I plan to forward investigation results to an independent committee for review," Vallop said yesterday. "We're looking for well-respected, neutral persons to sit on the committee."

If the results are comprehensive, the investigations can be concluded. If not, the independent committee will investigate further.

"This is to ensure transparency," Vallop said.

Before Vallop followed a political path, he was a respected medical professional. However, in 2004, then-public-health minister and Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Sudarat Keyuraphan transferred him to an inactive post, alleging he had failed to carry out government policies.

After Vallop's transfer, many senior health officials submitted their resignations in support of him. He later hit out at Sudarat over the computer project.

Public Health Minister Mongkol na Songkhla said the investigation results would come out this month.

Source: The Nation - 03 May 2007

[John K]

"I plan to forward investigation results to an independent committee for review," Vallop said yesterday. "We're looking for well-respected, neutral persons to sit on the committee."

That would be dr pat pong I guess.

[sriracha john]

Two executives of Italian-Thai Development (ITD) will be questioned today over the procurement of CTX bomb scanners for Suvarnabhumi airport, said a source close to the inquiry committee. ITD president Premchai Karnasuta and ITD executive vice president Tawatchai Suthiprapha will testify before the committee headed by Amnuay Thantara. ITD is a partner of ITO Joint Venture, a key contractor for the airport. Mr Thawatchai was grilled by the inquiry committee for about eight hours yesterday over the procurement. The source said that today's questioning will focus on the company's decision to buy the equipment through a middleman, Patriot Business Consultant Company. Patriot quoted a price of 1.684 billion baht to ITD, which in turn quoted a price of 1.832 billion baht to the airport.

Continued here:

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

Edited May 3, 2007 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Mr Worapoj acknowledges charges concerning CTX graft case

Worapoj Yossatat (วรพจน์ ยศะทัตต์), a.k.a. Sie Che (เสี่ยเช), acknowledges charges made against him by the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

AEC’s subcommittee scrutinizing the CTX and baggage handling system graft case of the Suvarnabhumi Airport invited Mr Worapoj, who was the president of the Patriot Business Consultants Co.Ltd., to acknowledge the charges. After Mr Worapoj has been informed of his charges, he told the press that the subcommittee requested him to see it again on May 24th at 09.30 a.m. Mr Worapoj added that he had been threatened not to reveal the information concerning the procurement of CTX bomb scanners.

Mr Worapoj alleges being involved in the approval of the company’s import of bomb scanners, its transactions, and its sale of the scanners to the ITO Joint Venture. He admits that his lack of knowledge in the bureaucratic system might be attributable to him being charged.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 May 2007

[Mid]

He admits that his lack of knowledge in the bureaucratic system might be attributable to him being charged.

JHC , ten will get you five he didn't let same lack of knowledge get in the way of picking up his pay ......................

[sriracha john]

Mr Worapoj acknowledges charges concerning CTX graft case

1. Worapoj Yossatat, president of the Patriot Business Consultants Co.Ltd.

2. Mr Worapoj added that he had been threatened not to reveal the information concerning the procurement of CTX bomb scanners.

Photos showing who is who for:

1.

2.

[cclub75]

The source said that today's questioning will focus on the company's decision to buy the equipment through a middleman, Patriot Business Consultant Company. Patriot quoted a price of 1.684 billion baht to ITD, which in turn quoted a price of 1.832 billion baht to the airport.

Continued here:

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

Voila, it's exactly the post i've sent a few days ago.

On guy sent an order, for 1684 millions, then sent an invoice to AOT of 1832 millions.

Profit during the operation (2 faxes out) : 148 millions. Nice, hum ?

So again, do we need committees and sub panels, working many month, to solve this case ?

[cclub75]

Brillant !

Obviously, Mister Worapoj was... well "connected" (Thaksin on the right, ex Transport minister on the left).

But of course, only a mind with bad intentions could draw a link between those individuals (or maybe they were only playing golf together ?).

[Tony Clifton]

The source said that today's questioning will focus on the company's decision to buy the equipment through a middleman, Patriot Business Consultant Company. Patriot quoted a price of 1.684 billion baht to ITD, which in turn quoted a price of 1.832 billion baht to the airport.

Continued here:

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

Voila, it's exactly the post i've sent a few days ago.

On guy sent an order, for 1684 millions, then sent an invoice to AOT of 1832 millions.

Profit during the operation (2 faxes out) : 148 millions. Nice, hum ?

So again, do we need committees and sub panels, working many month, to solve this case ?

Aren't there dozens of others also involved ion the CTX scam?

Edited May 4, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

The source said that today's questioning will focus on the company's decision to buy the equipment through a middleman, Patriot Business Consultant Company. Patriot quoted a price of 1.684 billion baht to ITD, which in turn quoted a price of 1.832 billion baht to the airport.

Continued here:

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

Voila, it's exactly the post i've sent a few days ago.

On guy sent an order, for 1684 millions, then sent an invoice to AOT of 1832 millions.

Profit during the operation (2 faxes out) : 148 millions. Nice, hum ?

So again, do we need committees and sub panels, working many month, to solve this case ?

Aren't there dozens of others also involved ion the CTX scam?

As the above reports, it was Ital-Thai Development (ITD) that took the guy's quote and bumped it up when they reported it to the airport guys.

The same ITD that was awarded contracts by the Thaksin government when they were supposed to be prohibited from participating in the bidding process due to undoing rehabilitation.

[Jai Dee]

AEC to investigate those involved in the Ban Eua Artorn scandal

The Asset Examination Committee (AEC) this afternoon will consider allegations of people involved in Ban Eua Artorn (เอื้ออาทร) Housing Project.

The AEC Secretary General Mr. Kaewsan Athipothi (แก้วสรร อติโพธิ) taking responsibility to scrutinize Ban Eua Arton Housing Project will issue the conclusion of the investigation to AEC meeting this afternoon. The Ban Eua Artorn is alleged of ambiguity in construction procedures.

As for the AEC subcommittee in charge of the CTX case chaired by Amnuay Thantara (อำนวย ธันธรา), AEC has invited Mr. Worawit Wisuitchai to acknowledge his accusation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

NCCC sets up working groups in 8 provinces

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) will set up special working groups in eight provinces to facilitate its work.

Chairman of the NCCC’s subcommittee Jaidet Phornchaiya (ใจเด็ด พรไชยา) reports that the working groups will help NCCC campaign for transparency and morality in the bureaucratic system and encourage the general public as well as the private sector to prevent and suppress corruption. The working groups will send people’s opinions on the prevention of corruption to NCCC which will later forward them to the Cabinet, parliament, courts, and Office of the Auditor General.

The eight provinces include Nong Khai, Sukhothai, Chanthaburi, Songkhla, Lamphun, Surin, Phetchaburi, and Surat Thani.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 May 2007

[sriracha john]

Thailand extends life of anti-graft panel

Thailand has extended the life of a high-powered panel of corruption busters that the military set up after last year's coup to look into the assets of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Assets Examination Committee's mandate was set to expire on September 30.

But the Thai cabinet today decided investigators will continue to work as long as the current government remains in power.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has promised to hold elections in December.

A government spokesman says if the panel cannot finish its work by then, its cases will be handed over to the National Counter Corruption Commission, which is running its own investigations into Thaksin's government.

- Australian Broadcasting Corporation

[sriracha john]

The AEC yesterday also resolved to charge former National Housing Authority (NHA) governor, Chuanpit Chaimuanwong, and nine other NHA officials with malfeasance involving the agency's Ua Arthorn housing project.

It was found that the NHA made a dubious money transfer to a project contractor, which led the agency to "make a profit" it did not deserve, according to the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) secretary Kaewsun Atibodhi. The profit was shared among the NHA officials.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

More on the Thaksin-initiated Ua-Arthon scam:

The ASC yesterday also accused 12 people, mostly former and present executives of the National Housing Authority (NHA), of malfeasance allegedly for assisting a contractor in acquiring the multi-billion-baht Baan Ua-arthorn low-cost housing project. Mr Kaewsan said the accused include former NHA governor Chuanpis Chaimuenvong, and former NHA deputy governors Sorawuth Tangkapol and Thitanont Pibulnakarin. Also accused are Spencer Robert and Ratanawadee Senawisai, directors of Deva Property Plc which was the contractor of the project in Rom Klao and Bang Phli areas. Deva executives are the alleged conspirators in the alleged malpractice. Mr Kaewsan said the NHA sold its land to Deva Property for 612 million baht, above the median price of 470 million baht. Deva had 10,000 baht in its bank account and paid with a cheque. The NHA did not cash the cheque until the housing project was completed.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09May2007_news01.php

[sriracha john]

More Thaksin-ism at work...

Meanwhile, Mr. Kaewsan added, the Assets Examination Committee also found former National Housing Authority chief Chuanpit Chaimuanwong and other senior officials of the agency guilty of misconduct charges under which they had conspired to inflate the price of a parcel of land to more than Bt600 million (US$17.5 million) to a private firm with which they had connections, thus reaping an undue profit of Bt142 million (US$4.1 million).

Although Bt52 million (US$1.5 million) of that total was distributed as a bonus to NHA personnel, the agency's chief and his accomplices were considered to have committed malfeasance in office, the AEC chief said.

- MCOT

[Jai Dee]

AEC Decides To Prosecute Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on charges of corruption under article 157 of criminal law

More in this thread.

[sriracha john]

I fear that Suriya is going to pass some more blood over this development:

Kaewsan Atipho, head of the ASC's sub-panel on Suvarnabhumi airport's Rail Link project, said yesterday his team had wrapped up the investigation and would propose that criminal charges be lodged against those suspected of irregularities. They accused former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and former State Railway of Thailand governor Chitsanti Dhanasobhon of dereliction of duty. Legal action has also been recommended against Boonchai Jittikuldilok, a consultant for the project, SRT deputy chief Yutthana Thapcharoen, and SRT chief legal official Surang Srimeesap. Mr Kaewsan said politicians, SRT executives and private companies had conspired to award the contract to a consortium comprising Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, B Grimm and Siemens. They tampered with specifications, such as doing away with a clause which authorised the SRT to seek information about the source of loans for the project.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/15May2007_news01.php

[John K]

Perhaps the people that choose to delay testifying should view it as defending themselves and go in when called.