AEC Freezes Thaksin's Assets, Proceeds From Shin Corp Sale

[hammered]

Former lawyer of ousted PM jailed for contempt of court

Criminal Court sentenced a former lawyer of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to six months in jail and a fine of Bt70,000 for contempt of court.

However the court put Thana Benjathikul on probation for two years.

The court found Thana guilty of contempt of court for criticising the court on jailing three former Election Commission members.

Source: The Nation - 28 June 2007

An interesting decision considering the fuzzy tape the PTV boys are touting around as something important. Oh I apologise nobody cares what they say now even ex-TRT leaders describe them as "the Thugs at Sanam Luang".

[hammered]

double post

[sriracha john]

Additional background on the illustrious Khun Thana

Thaksin's lawyer charged with court defamation

A lawyer of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was Tuesday arraigned for defaming the Criminal Court when he criticized the court over the ruling against the previous election commission.

Thana Benjathikul was charged in the Criminal for violating Article 198 of the Criminal Code by giving interviews to the media over the Criminal Court's ruling against three former EC commissioners.

Source: The Nation - 13 February 2007

Ex - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s lawyer Thana Benjathikul, second from right

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

His wife... his brother-in-law... and now his lawyer .... all have charges... not a good week for the Shinawatra dynasty.

*June 29, 2007 update to this comment: Can add around a half dozen more to that list now including sister and sisters-in-law.*

but on a positive note, I understand Thaksin has taken 1 off his handicap on the Australian golfing links this week...

Lawyer pleads guilty

Thana Benchathikul, a lawyer for deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, appeared in the Criminal Court yesterday to plead guilty to a charge of contempt of court. The case relates to his criticism of the judges who presided in the trial of the three former election commissioners last year.

The Criminal Court filed a complaint with police accusing lawyer Thana of contempt of court for giving a media interview criticising its verdict on the three commissioners. If convicted, he faces a jail term of between one and seven years and a fine of up to Bt14,000.

- The Nation / June 5, 2007

TRT party members unveil PTV

Several PTV news programmes that were unveiled yesterday would be hosted by TRT people and associates including Thana Benjathikul, lawyer of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

- Bangkok Post / Feb. 25, 2007

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's lawyer cited for contempt

Because he confessed the punishment was cut in half and the jail term was suspended. Mr Thana was charged after he gave an interview criticising the Criminal Court over its verdicts on the jailing of three election commissioners - chief Wassana Permlap, Prinya Nakchudtree and Veerachai Naewboonnien. The men were sentenced to four years in prison for mishandling the April 2, 2006, election. It is against the law to criticise the verdicts of Thai criminal courts.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119770

[sriracha john]

Bank papers on Thaksin delivered to authorities

Apichart Thanomsap, a senior official at the Anti-Money Laundering Office who received the document on Thaksin Shinawatra's foreign bank holdings from a British agency investigating money laundering, yesterday went to the Office of the Auditor General and had a meeting with the Assets Examination Committee.

He did not give any information, saying that revealing it was illegal.

An AEC source, who asked not to be named, said a British agency asked a Thai agency what action it wants them to take over 10 billion baht deposited in London bank accounts that belong to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Apichart on Wednesday confirmed a news report that AMLO had been contacted by the British agency. However, he refused to divulge any more information.

- The Nation

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

Seems the British authorities are being very cooperative.

[hammered]

Bank papers on Thaksin delivered to authorities

Apichart Thanomsap, a senior official at the Anti-Money Laundering Office who received the document on Thaksin Shinawatra's foreign bank holdings from a British agency investigating money laundering, yesterday went to the Office of the Auditor General and had a meeting with the Assets Examination Committee.

He did not give any information, saying that revealing it was illegal.

An AEC source, who asked not to be named, said a British agency asked a Thai agency what action it wants them to take over 10 billion baht deposited in London bank accounts that belong to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Apichart on Wednesday confirmed a news report that AMLO had been contacted by the British agency. However, he refused to divulge any more information.

- The Nation

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

Seems the British authorities are being very cooperative.

They will do everything to the letter of the law and to honour any international treaty or agreement.

[sriracha john]

No record of transfer of 10 Billion Baht

The money to be used by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to acquire Manchester City Football Club must have been transferred overseas well before the Assets Examination Committee ordered a freeze of his bank accounts, the central bank governor said yesterday.

Tarisa Watanagase said the Shinawatra family had made two requests to the Bank of Thailand to transfer money out of the country - once to buy a condominium in the UK and the second time to buy a house there.

"We have yet to examine how the money to be used to buy Manchester City was transferred to Thaksin's bank accounts in London and Switzerland," she said.

Earlier, a source said the Anti-Money Laundering Office had received a report from its UK counterpart that Thaksin had some Bt10 billion deposited in bank accounts in the UK and Switzerland.

Thaksin never reported these huge deposits in overseas bank accounts in his assets declarations while prime minister.

However, Tarisa said there could be an investigation into Thaksin's money overseas only if there was proof that it was gained through wrongdoing or illegal means.

"At the moment, there is no request from any organisation for the central bank to trace the money transactions," she added.

Thaksin has set up UK Sports Investments (UKSIL) and UKSI Holdings in the United Kingdom for the purpose of buying Manchester City FC for 5.6 Billion Baht.

Thaksin, his son Panthongtae, daughter Pinthongta and Thai businesswoman Sasin Monvoisin serve as directors of both companies.

* as if dragging his children through the Shin share scandal wasn't enough... he persists *

According to the tender document, UKSIL was incorporated as a private limited-liability company in England and Wales on May 31, 2007, with registration number 06264894. UKSIL has issued 4,511,470 ordinary shares of 1 pound each. All of the share capital is held by UKSI Holdings, a holding company.

UKSI Holdings was incorporated as a private limited-liability company in England and Wales with registration number 06283022. UKSI Holdings has the same directors as UKSIL.

Thaksin holds 57 ordinary shares of 100 pounds each in UKSI Holdings, Panthongtae and Pinthongta each hold 2,845 shares of 100 pounds each and Pramaisuri Property Co Ltd holds 41,667 preference shares of 600 pounds each with very limited voting rights.

The tender document indicated that Pramaisuri Property is a Thai-registered company controlled by Thaksin and his immediate family. It is a limited company incorporated in Thailand with registration number 0105533023436, whose headquarters are located at 1291/1 Phaholyothin Road, Bangkok.

The Assets Examination Committee ordered Pramaisuri to freeze its financial transactions after it found that Panthongtae and Pinthongta had shifted money from the bank accounts that were frozen to the property firm for a capital increase.

Thaksin has vowed to go ahead with the Manchester City takeover in spite of the freeze of his bank accounts in Thailand and well as pending criminal cases against him related to alleged conflicts of interest, corruption and other offences.

According to the tender document, "All the allegations made by the Assets Examination Committee and other Thai prosecutory agencies are entirely refuted by Thaksin and his family, and he will be vigorously defending all of such allegations.

Formal court hearings in relation to such allegations have yet to be heard. The first formal court hearing is scheduled for around July 10, 2007."

Sasin, 58, is the wife of Vikrom Khumphairoj, former Thai ambassador to Britain, and acts as Thaksin's personal assistant for business he conducts within the UK. Pictures widely circulated on the Internet show Sasin and Thaksin standing in front of a coffee shop in London shortly after he was deposed in a military coup.

Sasin has experience in international business. She is a director of a fashion company that acts as the Thailand distributor for Club 21, one of the leading fashion retail firms in the Asia-Pacific region.

Club 21 has more than 30 designer brands including Calvin Klein, DKNY, Mulberry, MaxMara, Paul Smith, Mambo and DIESEL under its umbrella. It also has a wholesale division and retail outlets in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, UK and the US.

Seymour Pierce is providing financial advice to UKSIL and the UKSIL directors in respect of the takeover offer.

- The Nation

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

Let the scamming begin in earnest....

[sriracha john]

NCCC may investigate Thaksin for having 10 Billion Baht abroad

The antigraft panel will Tuesday decide whether to investigate deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for making his false asset declaration after authorities have found that he has more than 10 billion baht in his overseas bank accounts.

Wichai Wiwitsewee, member of the National Counter Corruption Commission, said Sunday that the agency would discuss about the information from British authorities that Thaksin has over 10 billion baht in bank accounts in the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Initial investigation found that Thaksin's asset declaration did not include those bank accounts in question, according to Wichai.

"If it is true that Thaksin has these accounts abroad, then he committed graft offence for submitting false asset declaration to the NCCC," he said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thaksin opts for fresh team of lawyers

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has appointed a fresh team of lawyers as he begins his courtroom fight to save his assets and his reputation. The team will take legal action against ''an important person'' this week. It also plans to sue members of the Assets Scrutiny Committee, alleging they acted illegally. Prakiat Nasinma, a spokesman for the team, said the lawsuits and court proceedings against Mr Thaksin and his family members were all politically motivated. Mr Thaksin believed the coup-makers and the ASC were ganging up against him and his family and wanted to put together a good legal team to work in his defence, said Mr Prakiat, a former Roi Et senator. The team comprises senior lawyers from several leading legal firms. Mr Thaksin had also instructed the new legal team to file a lawsuit against ''an important person.'' The team would argue that the ASC's actions were flawed, illegal and breached Mr Thaksin's human rights, he said. Mr Prakiat said it would be better for Mr Thaksin's son and daughters to continue living abroad for the time being.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Jul2007_news12.php

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

How can he replace Noppadope when he's done such a terrific job??!!??

Oh well, just hope the new league of bottom-feeders are as humorous and funny as Noppadope.

[hammered]

NCCC may investigate Thaksin for having 10 Billion Baht abroad

The antigraft panel will Tuesday decide whether to investigate deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for making his false asset declaration after authorities have found that he has more than 10 billion baht in his overseas bank accounts.

Wichai Wiwitsewee, member of the National Counter Corruption Commission, said Sunday that the agency would discuss about the information from British authorities that Thaksin has over 10 billion baht in bank accounts in the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Initial investigation found that Thaksin's asset declaration did not include those bank accounts in question, according to Wichai.

"If it is true that Thaksin has these accounts abroad, then he committed graft offence for submitting false asset declaration to the NCCC," he said.

- The Nation

It will also show either a level of stupidity or an out of control ego if he actually started using money in hidden accounts so soon after an asset declaration. This could cause him a few headaches.

[John K]

I don’t know but I think ego gets my vote. Did anyone expect the truth from Thaksin spoken or written? A am sure there are more accounts tucked away that have yet to be discovered. Certainly a very serious charge with the need to explain where how it got there. Freezing them would certainly assist in getting the information.

[sriracha john]

Another new week, another new pile of hidden money is found...

In a related development, an AEC subcommittee headed by Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka has found 600 Million Baht in a bank account belonging to Bhanapot Damapong, Pojaman's brother, that could be frozen as part of the proceeds from the Shin Corp share sale, a source said.

The panel has already frozen several bank accounts belonging to the Shinawatra family.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

The AEC said Thaksin had abused his authority as the prime minister to benefit business interests of Shin Corp.

The five charges are irregularities related to the following projects:

1 The purchase of a plot in Ratchada area worth Bt772 million

2 The purchase of rubber seeds worth Bt1.14 billion

3 The purchase of CTX bomb scanners worth Bt1.5 billion

4 The two and three-digit lottery project worth Bt37.79 billion

5 The exemption of telecom firms to pay concession fees worth Bt30.667 billion.

Thaksin, cabinet to be charged

The Assets Scrutiny Committee yesterday agreed to press malfeasance charges against the entire cabinet of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the executive board of the Government Lottery Office for the 2003 launch of the two- and three-digit lottery scheme. If found guilty in court, the 32 former cabinet ministers, including Mr Thaksin and 17 GLO executives, could face up to life imprisonment. ASC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang yesterday said the committee ruled in accordance with a recommendation from a sub-panel, chaired by Udom Fuangfung, that has been scrutinising alleged mismanagement of the lottery scheme. They agreed to press charges against the 49 suspects, accusing them of having violated nine articles of the Criminal Code, including embezzlement and abuse of authority, and four articles of the 1959 Act on Offences Committed by State Officials. The ASC also accused them of collectively causing the state financial damage amounting to 37.79 billion baht.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/03Jul2007_news01.php

[John K]

'Letter from Thaksin' threatens legal action

A letter, purportedly from deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, yesterday threatened legal action against the Assets Examination Com-mittee (AEC) if it does not revoke the freeze on his bank accounts and halt investigations within three days, a source said.

The letter has warned the AEC to stop harassing him and his family members and from making defamatory comments. It demands the panel revoke the freeze on bank accounts.

The six family members referred to in the letter are Thaksin, Pojaman, Panthong-tae, Pinthongta and Yinglak Shinawatra and Bhanapot Damapong.

Thaksin's lawyer Noppadon Pattama believed the letter was genuine and written by the former PM. He did not think anyone else "would dare to take such action".

Apisak Apassompob delivered the letter to the AEC.

The letter warned the AEC that if it did not stop its investigations within three days, Thaksin would initiate legal action. The letter is not signed by a lawyer. The letter demands the AEC pay Thaksin and other family members the equivalent of interest at 7.5 per cent a year lost since accounts were frozen on June 11.

The letter claimed the freeze violated announcement No 30 of the Council for Democratic Reform, now the Council for National Security. It adds the committee committed malfeasance by illegally freezing the accounts and thereby causing damage and loss to the holders.

Meanwhile, Finance Minis-try permanent secretary Supa-rat Kawatkul yesterday told the Criminal Court that transfers of Shinawatra Computer and Telecommunications shares in 1997 should have been taxed.

Prosecution witness Suparat was formerly director-general of the Revenue Department.

Public prosecutors have charged Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, her brother Bhana-pot Damapong and secretary Kanchana Honghern of conspiring to evade tax worth Bt546 million in the transfer of Bt738 million in Shinawatra Compu-ter and Telecommuni-cation shares.

Prosecutor Seksan Bang-sombun explained that Suparat had said in 2005 - when he was director-general - that the transfer was subject to tax. At the time he ordered the removal of five department officials for not taxing the transfer.

In a related development, Suparat is among seven state officials the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) this week decided to investigate for possible wrongdoing in connection with tax payments by the Shinawatra family over its sale of Shin Corp last year.

Suparat said outside the court yesterday that he was unconcerned over the AEC probe against him in connection with the Shin share sale.

AEC spokesman Sak Kor-saengruang said Suparat would not be suspended from duty during the probe.

He said Suparat had notified the National Counter Corrup-tion Commission that the sale was made below market prices, but was still subject to tax. However, he later told the media it was not liable to tax.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation

[John K]

It sounds like Thaksin is trying to use his little ‘X’ sign again.

[sriracha john]

The frozen assets are definitely hitting home with Thaksin...

Thaksin's lawyer Noppadon Pattama believed the letter was genuine and written by the former PM. He did not think anyone else "would dare to take such action".

How odd that Thaksin wouldn't have even informed his own lawyer before embarking on the letter-writing...

The letter warned the AEC that if it did not stop its investigations within three days, Thaksin would initiate legal action.

Funny that Thaksin is initiating his own version of deadlines.

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

Meanwhile....

In a related development, Nam [AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem] said Chinnicha Wongsawat, daughter of Thaksin's sister Yaowapa, had filed an appeal for the AEC to free 100 Million Baht worth of assets frozen in connection with graft proceedings involving Thaksin and his family.

In her petition, Chinnicha has argued that she had gained possession of the frozen funds through honest means, he said, adding that the Amnuay Tantara subcommittee was in charge of reviewing the case.

The AEC will rule on the petition in 30 days.

- The Nation

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

"You let go of my Uncle Thakky's money now or I'm going to hold my breath until I turn blue.... and THEN, you'll be sorry!"

[sriracha john]

The assets stories continue.....

NCCC asks AMLO, DSI to probe Thaksin's money in UK, Switzerland

The National Counter Corruption Commission Tuesday resolved to ask the Anti-Money Laundering Office and Department of Special Investigations to find out if former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has 10 Billion Baht in England and Switzerland.

NCCC member Phakdee Phosiri said the NCCC took the action after the AMLO was informed by its counterpart in England that Thaksin had about 10 Billion Baht in the country and in Switzerland.

Phakdee said if the two agencies confirmed the existence of Thaksin's money in the two countries, the NCCC would initiate an investigation to see whether the former prime minister had falsified his assets statements.

- The Nation

[hammered]

The assets stories continue.....

NCCC asks AMLO, DSI to probe Thaksin's money in UK, Switzerland

The National Counter Corruption Commission Tuesday resolved to ask the Anti-Money Laundering Office and Department of Special Investigations to find out if former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has 10 Billion Baht in England and Switzerland.

NCCC member Phakdee Phosiri said the NCCC took the action after the AMLO was informed by its counterpart in England that Thaksin had about 10 Billion Baht in the country and in Switzerland.

Phakdee said if the two agencies confirmed the existence of Thaksin's money in the two countries, the NCCC would initiate an investigation to see whether the former prime minister had falsified his assets statements.

- The Nation

One hel_l of a lot of favours are going to be pulled in and one hel_l of a lot of money poured into the next elecetion as Mr. T tries to grab the next election so his proxies can make the charges go away.

[Plus]

Let's see what exactly TRT rump will come up with. They still command lots of MPs but don't have a party for them yet, and no new names to replace banned executives. Will it be one giant nominee party?

[hammered]

Let's see what exactly TRT rump will come up with. They still command lots of MPs but don't have a party for them yet, and no new names to replace banned executives. Will it be one giant nominee party?

Most analysis of where the group will go will focus on where the money will come from. Without money they will lose. Chatchuron doesnt have the cash to support 100+ MPs. Sudarat doesnt either. Thaksin's sister no doubt has some of the family money. Is it enough? A lot of money has been pumped into salaries of the non-productive Pojamarn TV employees to date and a lot into organising the rallies. However, significantly more will be needed to buy enough votes, or as some would say show you have the respect to be worth voting for because of your policies, to win an election.

Most Thai parties up to now including TRT have relied on a single major contributor to donate money to chosen candidates to use in elections. It has only ever really been the Dem party that has relied more on candidates financially supporting their own campaigns. While ex-TRT members totally reliant on or beholden to Mr. T may come cheap or be willing to invest more of their own money this time around, those ex-candidates who could happily run with or without TRT (mark 2) will expect the usual or even more money. This will be further complicated by how candidates see TRT (2) doing. If TRT (2) is seen as losing and being in oppositon how many will want to waste their own money. Some will decide their fortunes wouldbe better in another party. This is where the fight over the constitution becomes vital for TRT(2) as a test. If the charter is passed it will be a sign of weakness. If it goes down they will have a better chance. How long it will be before they pull the state religion card again remains to be seen.

It remains a shame that Thailand for the foreseeable future will have no option of a third and better way than the pro or anti Thakin camps into which everyone - even many good people - is forced.

[Mid]

It remains a shame that Thailand for the foreseeable future will have no option of a third and better way than the pro or anti Thakin camps into which everyone - even many good people - is forced.

give this man a prize .

[Plus]

It remains a shame that Thailand for the foreseeable future will have no option of a third and better way than the pro or anti Thakin camps into which everyone - even many good people - is forced.

Generally I have always been suspicious of this "third" camp. Who are/were these people? How was it possible for them not to take sides for the past couple of years? How could they remain indifferent to what happened to the nation? Why would they be a "better way"?

Even staunchest PAD critics always add that they do not approve of Thaksin. They cannot join any side for their own reasons, but it doesn't mean they are neutral.

Recently Prawase Wase appealed to the "silent majority". I always wanted to ask a question - who makes up this silent majority that no one has noticed so far?

Anti-Thaksin camp doesnt' exist anymore, mission has been more or less accomplished. Even Sondhi is quiet these days, he's been out of spotlight since the coup.

Judging by polls and news reports most people and parties want to move forward and they don't care much about Thaksin. They put it behind them already.

It doesn't mean, however, they'd let him back in - they'd eat the junta alive if the generals strike a deal.

[hammered]

It remains a shame that Thailand for the foreseeable future will have no option of a third and better way than the pro or anti Thakin camps into which everyone - even many good people - is forced.

Generally I have always been suspicious of this "third" camp. Who are/were these people? How was it possible for them not to take sides for the past couple of years? How could they remain indifferent to what happened to the nation? Why would they be a "better way"?

Even staunchest PAD critics always add that they do not approve of Thaksin. They cannot join any side for their own reasons, but it doesn't mean they are neutral.

Recently Prawase Wase appealed to the "silent majority". I always wanted to ask a question - who makes up this silent majority that no one has noticed so far?

Anti-Thaksin camp doesnt' exist anymore, mission has been more or less accomplished. Even Sondhi is quiet these days, he's been out of spotlight since the coup.

Judging by polls and news reports most people and parties want to move forward and they don't care much about Thaksin. They put it behind them already.

It doesn't mean, however, they'd let him back in - they'd eat the junta alive if the generals strike a deal.

The third camp doesnt really exist. It is not the PTV led pro-Thaksin demo or the rump TRT. Equally it is not the Junta and its apparent newly created friendly parties. It is certainly not the Chart Thai with their we will do a deal with anyone. The Dems could be in it as they are certainly not liked or trusted by either side but seem to be happy to stay relatively quiet and coattail the anti-T side to possible power.

As the third camp does not exist (something I bemoan) it is hard to criticise. The third camp does not have to be a deal camp it could quite happily let all the court cases run their course with absolutely no interference either for or against T, and also insure others do not interfere. It should also insure cases against other politicos recieve equal treatment. Prawase's appeal to the silent majority I think just recognizes that there are countrywide a lot of people who maybe niaively would like to see the whole thing go away. However, with no option except pro or anti these people have little choice but to sit on one side of the fence or the other or I guess they could just forget politics, which is hard in the present climate. Not beiong on one side or the other is also difficult when peer pressure, financial pressure and clan loyalties start to get applied. I would guess the third camp would be based around the country doesnt need Juntas or their overbearing presence and the country doesnt need meglomaniacal self serving leaders or their monied up influence in everything. I would guess they would believe in democracy and what is best for all the people of the country. Right now there is nobody willing to take a chance on this from a powerful leadership point of view which is what I think is sad although with both sides employing pure simplistic but powerful you are with us or not with us mind games it would admittedly be a difficult time to start a third way movement based around we dont need either of you.

I agree that the anti-Thaksin camp as in PAD doesnt exist anymore. In fact in this largely ex-camp you can find those who also dont support the Junta. In fact from this very camp you could probably find quite a number who would support some alternative. Similarly from amongst a lot of the softer TRT support there are people who would now support an alternative. The real anti-T movement now is the Junta and its close allies. Sure the middle classes, the southerners and all the other ex-anti demonstrators want justice to be done but that doesnt mean they want to see the Junta installed forever or for a bunch of political guns for sale to stuff the new parliament to represent the military. It serves the Junta to keep the scare of T man which may or may not be real in the limelight. Equally, poor farmers in the N and NE have better things to do than charge around rallying for T man, and if left to their own devices, with their busy and hard life and in many cases reliance on state funds will quickly find other allegiances or just grow bored or disillusioned. It serves the TRT to keep the distorted picture of T-man as a genuine man of the people as one of them shafted by BKK in the limelight. For both sides it is about creating illusions and scares to insure backing which may otherwise collapse.

I personally have never had any problem with pure anti-junta demonstrators, academics and politicos. The problem is that the movement has been flooded with and taken over by pro-T people thereby wrecking a genuine opportunity to start a debate on something new and leaving those genuinely not on either side to sit at home. It is quite likely that for the foreseeable future Thai politics will remain wrapped around pro and anti T stuff that really needs to be put to bed if the country is to really move forward, and by the way I repeat that does not mean I think justice should not be served if T man has been corrupt which personally I am fairly certain of.

[Jai Dee]

NCCC cooperates with DSI and AMLO to inspect the ex-PM's assets and liabilities

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) Spokesman Klanarong Chantik (กล้านรงค์ จันทิก) will ask ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra’s information of assets and liabilities from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).

The AMLO recently found that the ex-PM’s assets were estimated at 100 billion baht deposited in a foreign country. NCCC will be delegated to inspect on whether the assets actually exist or not. Mr. Klanarong says NCCC will ask for cooperation from the AMLO and DSI to give evidence of the matter.

Mr. Klanarong refuses to give further details.

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

[Mid]

Live rates at 2007.07.04 08:24:16 UTC

100,000,000,000.00 THB = 3,164,988,304.86 USD

Thailand Baht ..............................United States Dollars

1 THB = 0.0316499 USD...............1 USD = 31.5957 THB

xe.com

[hammered]

NCCC cooperates with DSI and AMLO to inspect the ex-PM's assets and liabilities

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) Spokesman Klanarong Chantik (กล้านรงค์ จันทิก) will ask ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra’s information of assets and liabilities from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).

The AMLO recently found that the ex-PM’s assets were estimated at 100 billion baht deposited in a foreign country. NCCC will be delegated to inspect on whether the assets actually exist or not. Mr. Klanarong says NCCC will ask for cooperation from the AMLO and DSI to give evidence of the matter.

Mr. Klanarong refuses to give further details.

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

That asset declaration is starting to look a bit suspect. Well at least if this is true. One of the British papers did a calculation that if his asset declaration was correct after taking off the frozen money he had 200 million pounds left. 80 odd million were for buying out Man City and 50 million for players apparently, which didnt seem like it left a lot for a man of his tastes. This new story may help explain why he still feels he has enough to purchase a lowly premiership team.

[Old Man River]

It is going to be very interesting to find out if the letter purportedly written by Thaksin is legitimate. It can be found at the url below:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/04...al_30039247.php

[John K]

Along the discussion of how all of this will tie in to future governments. There is no doubt that the “111 club” will look for puppets to keep things in their favor as much as possible. However there is the little matter of the judges who are walking the line. After a few chats with HRH and other positive influences walking the line is the proper thing to do and the results are beginning to show. If it was not the anti junta rallies would be absolutely huge. The fact is that things are going the right way and common sense allows the Thai people to see that.

The new government will be faced with a new constitution with teeth to remind them to behave and the knowledge of buying judgments may be a thing of the past. Testing to see of judges can be bought may be like parachute testing, if it works great, if it doesn’t there will be a new help wanted ad for a parachute tester in the morning.

On the flip side if all the politicians under investigation jump ship and their local diet consists of potatoes and not rice, Thailand will be allowed to evolve with new political faces, new ideas, and perhaps even recover to the international level Thaksin took Thailand to.

By locking down Thaksin’s money it will allow the smaller political names with the right ideas to emerge.

[Plus]

Hammered, after all is said it appears that the third way is simply to deal with Thaksin without prejudice.

I think Surayud has been fair to him so far.

Democrats have also kept themselves clean.

What we need is just a force that would stay faithful to principles, not personalities. I don't trust anyone but the Demorats on this.

There will be no other third camp, no new entrants in politics, the hope for a third camp is futile.

[sriracha john]

Throw another huge pile onto the mountainous heep....

AEC orders freezing more assets of Thaksin's brother-in-law

Assets Examination Committee froze on Wednesday more assets of the brother-in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The committee's statement stated that an amount of 2.68 Billion Baht in stocks belonging to Bannapot Damapong is ordered to be frozen.

The 2.68 Billion Baht-worth of stocks were now in Thai Farmers Bank, SC Assets Co, Ltd, and Thanachart Finance.

- The Nation

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*edit* Additional information added from a related article:

Meanwhile, the Assets Examination Committee yesterday issued the fifth freeze order on a further 2.6 Billion Baht of proceeds from the sale of Shin Corp shares - in an account belonging to Bhanapot Damapong, Thaksin's brother-in-law.

The AEC found that before June 4, Bhanapot used 2.6 Billion Baht to buy 28.9 million Thai Farmer Bank's shares, 15.9 million shares of SC Asset, and 57 million shares of Thanachart Fund.

The AEC is still hunting a further 2 Billion Baht from 19 Billion Baht transferred to Bhanapot from the Shin sale proceeds.

An AEC panel tasked with finding the money from the Shin share sale will seek an AEC ruling to issue a sixth freeze order for 1.5 Billion Baht on Monday. The money was earlier in Bhanapot's bank accounts but withdrawn to increase capital for some firms.

The Assets Examination Committee refused yesterday to bow to demands from the ex-PM to revoke the freeze on his bank accounts. Thaksin submitted a letter via his lawyer on Tuesday that threatened legal action against the AEC if it did not revoke the freeze on his and his family's accounts and halt inquiries within three days.

Spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said the only way the AEC could remove the order was for the people involved to submit proof that the money had been earned honestly. "If we revoke the freeze order just because of this letter, we will be accused of malfeasance," he said.

Chinnicha Wongsawat, daughter of Thaksin's younger sister Yaowapa Wongsawat, whose bank accounts were frozen, submitted a letter to the AEC showing she received 100 million baht transferred from Bhannapot.

Sak said an AEC panel headed by Amnuay Thantara would check and see if the suspended account should be "unfrozen".

- The Nation