US Couple Arrested In Bangkok Film Festival Graft Probe

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

The Greens face up to 10 years in prison if convicted on all charges, the statement said.

No problem, they will bribe themselve out of the Bangkok Hilton.

They will never see the Bangkok Hilton but if they are convicted the husband will spend his last years in a US Federal prison where parole and time off for good behavior are virtually unheard of. The wife who is younger will probably live to see the outside again but she will likely have little time left when she see the light of day again. The Thai official will probably soon be forgotten by the press. The case will likely never see a courtroom and she and her family will live to enjoy her ill gotten gain for generations.

[sriracha john]

I believe she is also running in the current election on the Puea Pandin Party -(in fact she is deputy leader) and has promised to elevate the role of Buddhism in society. http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=52,5351,0,0,1,0

Puea Paendin Party Secretary-General Watchra Panchet, left, a party-list candidate Juthamas Siriwan, centre, on Sunday unveil a tourism campaign for the December 23 election at Wat Benchamabopitr.

The Nation

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

say... I see my signature subject has found a new job.....

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

but she wasn't always...

Ruam Jai Thai announces new party members

The Ruam Jai Thai Party announces that its party has recruited former MPs, however they have not selected the party leader yet.

Some of the new MPs at Ruam Jai Thai include former deputy leader for Mahachon party Mr.Pornthep Teijapaiboon (พรเทพ เตชะไพบูลย์) and his wife Mrs.Papassara Teijapaiboon (ปภัสรา เตชะไพบูลย์), the former governor of Tourism of Thailand Mrs.Juthamas Siriwan (จุฑามาศ ศิริวรรณ), Mrs.Jiraporn Kajasenee (จิรากรณ์ คชเสนีย์), a nephew of former Prime Minister Mr.Assawin Apaiwong (อัศวิน อภัยวงศ์), an academic and former foreign affairs state official Mr.Nopwong Noppaket (นายณพงศ์ นพเกตุ).

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

Edited December 19, 2007 by sriracha john

[markokang]

The recipient of the bribe apparently did not get into any trouble. Perhaps he spread it around to the right people.

555 my thoughts exactly!

[Old Man River]

This does not come as a surprise to some. The going joke around Bangkok circles for the past year has been that Dr. Suwit Yodmanee (current TAT Minister) is much more difficult to do business with because he is too honest (i.e. won't take bribes).

[disgruntled]

There must be loads of US to Thai payoffs going on. Why pick on this couple and this lady and why now? There was a story just out the other day that some big Hollywood producer is setting up shop over here. Jutamas is also connected to Thaksin's admin. I don't know if the US can do anything to Jutamas but they could block her entry into the US I would guess. With the change in gov't here I wonder if anyone will take any interest in her doings. If Thailand has any morality left in it, the new government whoever they are should ban Jutamas from all government offices and ban her from benefiting from any future government contracts. She sold the country to a foreigner in my view. Shouldn't this be considered treason? Off to the gallows!

[sriracha john]

Her husband is certainly no stranger to criminal prosecution....

Court sentences ex-BKK governor Samak to two years in jail on defamation suit

Court sentenced Thursday former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and veteran politician Dusit Siriwan to two years in jail on defamation suit against a former deputy Bangkok governor.

Court said that Samak and Dusit said libellous statements against Samart Ratchaponlasit in their television talk show programme on the Channel 5 last year.

- The Nation

[Dakhar]

Corruption is daily routine among rich people in the world. No big deal. Just careless or unlucky this time for the Greens.

Why would a 75 yr old person be suddenly greedy at one moment? It just shows that it is usual practice.

I see corruption everyday here in HK.

Maybe he wanted to secure his retirement.... 3 hots and a cot every day?

I think you have a point, at 75 and doing this type of transactions, it is either a sign of tradition, or stupididy.

[HunkeyDorey]

film festival contract and other deals worth more than 10 million dollars.

I wonder which one in the New Plutocracy wants this money?

Hunkey Dorey

[lioness]

Land of corruption, still without the people prepared to pay out there would be no receivers and an end to it.

It's plain greed all around, the yankees wouldn't have been paying out that kind of money without some very major return to them.

10 years in Jail might be just what they need, hope it's the Bangkok Hilton, what a comedown.

[Arkady]

I guess the real target is probably Juthamas and given the timing, the motive of the whistle blowers could be partly political as this will probably blow up Juthamas' political career and damage Peua Pandin. Some one who felt slighted at not benefitting from the deals must have carefully collected the information over the years and waited for the right moment to sell it on to Juthamas' enemies who are likely to be even more numerous than before now she has entered politics. Filing the complaint with the US Justice Dept is a nice touch as they would know that an investigation in Thailand could be bought off with more bribes. It also indicates they are confident of the quality of the information. Juthamas seems to be a nasty piece of work with a callous and arrogant attitude to tourists. Her appointment as head of TAT and legally questionable extension both under TRT looked very suspicious. TAT has been riddled with corruption and in fighting as far as anyone can remember and the quality of its work is pitiful. I can even remember a senior TAT official who was in line for the top job being murdered in the late 80s. The Thais are lucky they have a decent tourism product that can sell in spite of TAT. I feel sorry for ordinary Thai people whose money and opportunities are always stolen by dirtbag politicians and government officials. It is hard to feel sorry for the Greens. They swam with sharks and are now going to get eaten.

[stao]

Amazing Thailand... I Love It...

Nasty farange get hosed by the FBI & K. Thai slides

No new NEWS here

[gmac]

It is hard to feel sorry for the Greens. They swam with sharks and are now going to get eaten.

Have to agree there, if they could afford to pay a bribe of $1.7m you can't argue they needed the money. It's pure greed and I just love to see the corrupt, whatever their nationality, get their come-uppance!

[sriracha john]

Coupled with the incredulously crass tsunami and Kanchanaburi murder quotes posted earlier, her sensitivity...

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Juthamas Siriwan has issued a letter of condolence to the family of student Katherine Horton, who was murdered on Koh Samui.

The TAT said the tragedy would tarnish the reputation of the tourism industry, as well as create a negative impression that could mar the image of the country as a whole.

"Once again, I deeply regret this event occurring within our Kingdom. Through resolve and solidarity among friends, I would like to hope that in time this depressing incident will soon pass, and that we may continually have the pleasure of welcoming British travellers to Thailand," Juthamas said.

- The Nation / Jan. 6, 2006

is only surpassed by extremely accurate forecasting...

TAT targets threefold jump in arrivals

Ability to handle goal leaves many sceptical

BANGKOK: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has become more progressive, even outrageous, these days in setting growth targets for the country's tourism industry, projecting a whopping threefold jump in arrivals over the next seven years to 30 million in 2010.

TAT governor Juthamas Siriwan released the new target this week. But industry leaders shook their heads in disagreement.

- Bangkok Post / July 1, 2004

AND

TAT says Elite Card well received

Target of selling 1 millon cards likely to be met

The project is making a good start and attracting interest from well-to-do foreigners, according to Juthamas Siriwan, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Brochures outlining privileges and other related services, including offers at 20 top golf courses, 60 luxury hotels, are ready for distribution.

However, the official opening of the programme will be chaired by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as the project is the brainchild of the premier.

Mrs Juthamas said she was confident that one million cards would be sold within five years as target, generating one trillion baht for Thailand.

With the one trillion baht in revenue from cards and one million cardholders visiting Thailand, spending and shopping, she estimated that spinoff revenue generated from the activities could reach 20 trillion baht.

- Bangkok Post / Sep. 16, 2003

Imagine..... 20 Trillion Baht....

Edited December 19, 2007 by sriracha john

[wrecker]

a complant filed in LA?? Interesting, the complaint was from a businessman who wanted to pay of had paid less?

[lomatopo]

My guess is that the Greens were flagged as potential terrorists, or of funding terrorist organizations, a result of all the new bank reporting requirements which are part of anti-terrorism legislation (Patriot Act). When confronted they probably realized it was best to come clean, and face relatively limited charges (Foreign Corrupt Practices), rather than being whisked off to Gitmo. Hence the prosecution by the U.S. Justice Department.

This is a bit like the CTX scandal, where GE had to report it in the U.S. but not much came of it here in Thailand.

[sriracha john]

The FBI special agent's report is interesting in that the bribe money was traced to bank accounts in Singapore and London that are in the name of "the adult daughter of the TAT official."

The company’s budget spending has been probed, and Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Juthamas Siriwan is also the subject of a related probe that will take another two months to complete

She has a very high maintence daughter to maintain, who is ensconsed in TAT's London office.

[Arkady]

However this case works out for them the Greens will also have the IRS on their backs too. You can be sure they didn't declare all the income received for US tax and that they also didn't declare all the foreign corporations and bank accounts controlled by them.

[Prakanong]

The FBI special agent's report is interesting in that the bribe money was traced to bank accounts in Singapore and London that are in the name of "the adult daughter of the TAT official."

The company's budget spending has been probed, and Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Juthamas Siriwan is also the subject of a related probe that will take another two months to complete

She has a very high maintence daughter to maintain, who is ensconsed in TAT's London office.

Singapore is squeaky clean in most things but it does not mind foreign dirty money going through its banks as long as the crime/corruption is elsewhere!!

[nikster]

I find it quite excellent that the USA now prosecutes graft in foreign counties. This will eventually have a big impact on the most corrupt places, including Thailand. I hope the EU passes similar laws...

[sibeymai]

OH MY GOD.......a senior Thai public servant implicated in a bribery scandal.......I'm thoroughly shocked.

Great the see all the past information posted in this thread.....the link with Thaksin and through her husband, to Thaksin's puppet Samak as well. I wonder why the Thai media doesn't seem to be able to present this information to the public. Surely if one is constantly being implicated in corruption, or even if it's failure to achieve or deliver on election promises then the public should be informed.

Anyway, just how much room is there at the trough ? Seems "there's always room for one more". Nice of those already at the trough to make room for newcomers.

[sriracha john]

More tidbits from the FBI report:

Explains that Green's company was awarded the contract continuously for 3 years before it then lost the contract following the coup and the "senior Thai official's departure from office."

Green was born in South Africa and later became a Mexican citizen. His wife was born in Mexico. They both became naturalized US citizens in 2000.

Green's company that was awarded the contract had NO prior work experience in this field.

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

They got a mountain of evidence against him and the involvement of the "Governor" (as they refer to her) in their 28-page report (which I haven't finished completely reading yet).

There's certainly ample documentation to begin proceedings against her here and I would imagine the two governments have already begun their cooperation.

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

The FBI affadavit:

http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/pr/press_rel...n-affidavit.pdf

Edited December 19, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

This is a bit like the CTX scandal, where GE had to report it in the U.S. but not much came of it here in Thailand.

Hundreds and hundreds of pages of documents came here to Thailand.

[Prakanong]

I find it quite excellent that the USA now prosecutes graft in foreign counties. This will eventually have a big impact on the most corrupt places, including Thailand. I hope the EU passes similar laws...

The USA has had these laws for years.

I agree the EU should do the same but do some countries not do this already - I am thinking Germany and Siemens?

[sriracha john]

She is "outed" big-time in this Reuter's piece.... With her denials, it makes me wonder if she's seen the FBI affadavit as it contradicts (with lots of evidence) everything she says. It even manages to mention the CTX scandal...

U.S. arrests two in Thai film festival graft probe

BANGKOK - The United States has arrested a California-based movie executive and his wife on suspicion of paying $1.7 million in bribes to a senior Thai official to secure lucrative contracts to run a film festival in Bangkok.

In a statement on the PR Newswire, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said Gerald Green, 75, and Patricia Green, 52, had made a series of payments from 2003 to 2007 to the then governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Juthamas Siriwan.

Juthamas, who is running for parliament in a minor party in a December 23 election, denied receiving any irregular payments or, as prosecutors allege, shunting TAT contracts worth more than $10 million towards a company set up by the Greens.

"I don't know about that at all. I have no knowledge about this," she told Reuters. She confirmed that during her time as governor, the Greens had worked for the TAT, which oversaw the staging of the Bangkok International Film Festival.

U.S. investigators looking into possible breaches of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act caused a major stink in Thailand in 2005 after alleging a U.S. firm may have paid kickbacks to secure a contract for high-tech bomb scanners for Bangkok's new airport.

Although nothing was ever proven, opponents of then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra seized upon the scandal as evidence of a graft-ridden administration.

Thaksin was ousted in a September 2006 coup, accused of presiding over "rampant corruption".

National Counter-Corruption Commission spokesman Klanarong Chantik said Thai investigators had been made aware of the case only on Wednesday and so had yet to decide whether to launch a full probe.

The DoJ said the Greens had tried to hide their bribery by using different businesses, some with dummy addresses and telephone numbers, and "commission" payments had been made through the foreign bank accounts of intermediaries.

"More than $1.7 million in payments were allegedly made for the benefit of the governor," the DoJ said.

- Reuters

[AlexLah]

Arkady' date='2007-12-19 13:39:45' post='1714959

sriracha john' date='2007-12-19 13:59:53' post='1714986'

sriracha john' date='2007-12-19 14:34:27' post='1715034

samran' post='182379' date='2004-10-05 18:24:11'

Prakanong' date='2007-12-19 14:40:54' post='1715044

sriracha john' post='1715034' date='2007-12-19 15:34:27

samran' post='182379' date='2004-10-05 18:24

I must say some very good investigating here and you guys are surely on the right path, but it goes much deeper.......

Dig deeper and wider and you will find some more interesting stuff........

Be carefull visiting those .gov websites, use a proxy ore internet cafe.

Alie

[Arkady]

I find it quite excellent that the USA now prosecutes graft in foreign counties. This will eventually have a big impact on the most corrupt places, including Thailand. I hope the EU passes similar laws...

The USA has had these laws for years.

I agree the EU should do the same but do some countries not do this already - I am thinking Germany and Siemens?

The US introduced the Foreign Corrupt Business Act in response to the Lockheed scandal in the 70s (hundreds of millions of dollars paid out in bribes to foreign governments including Italy to buy fighter planes.) Yes, some European countries have similar laws. I remember there was also a scandal in Sweden re bribes paid to India to buy Bofors guns. France and the UK are big players in arms dealing and I don't know if they have these laws but they should. The Japanese are still a big payers of slush money in Asia.

I once worked for an American owned company that uncovered bribes being paid from Hong Kong to a Chinese official in Inner Mongolia. The legal dept in Philadelphia sent a letter to the Chinese Embassy in Washington giving the details. After a sad letter from the official in Inner Mongolia proclaiming his innocence and asking for a retraction of the allegations, he was never heard of again. I took over from the guy in Hong Kong who had been fired and found a lot of interesting stuff in the files.

[Prakanong]

I find it quite excellent that the USA now prosecutes graft in foreign counties. This will eventually have a big impact on the most corrupt places, including Thailand. I hope the EU passes similar laws...

The USA has had these laws for years.

I agree the EU should do the same but do some countries not do this already - I am thinking Germany and Siemens?

The US introduced the Foreign Corrupt Business Act in response to the Lockheed scandal in the 70s (hundreds of millions of dollars paid out in bribes to foreign governments including Italy to buy fighter planes.) Yes, some European countries have similar laws. I remember there was also a scandal in Sweden re bribes paid to India to buy Bofors guns. France and the UK are big players in arms dealing and I don't know if they have these laws but they should. The Japanese are still a big payers of slush money in Asia.

I once worked for an American owned company that uncovered bribes being paid from Hong Kong to a Chinese official in Inner Mongolia. The legal dept in Philadelphia sent a letter to the Chinese Embassy in Washington giving the details. After a sad letter from the official in Inner Mongolia proclaiming his innocence and asking for a retraction of the allegations, he was never heard of again. I took over from the guy in Hong Kong who had been fired and found a lot of interesting stuff in the files.

I do not think Britain and France have them and the arms industry deals probably have a lot to do with that!

Singapore is supposed to be tight on this stuff but I do know an arms salesman on my MBA and he talks about bribes to Thai Generals

I worked at Motorola for a while and it was said in a meeting they had lost a big contract due to not buying a car for someone. A girl who worked for me said why did they not just pay money to a local agent and he disributes the money just like when she worked for BP in Indonesia

That did not go down well at all!

[Chris Lawrence]

Sounds like this is turning into a good script. Just need to be fine tuned by the TV writers guild. TAT may fund it as they have some excess money at the moment? Just a thought

[thaiman]

Thailand maintains its international reputation!

Land of the oldest profession in the world,

Thank God!

[Arkady]

Thanks for the URl for the FBI affidavit Sriracha Jon. It seems that no one made much effort to cover their tracks. The Greens used US bank accounts of US companies to make the payments and Juthamas used her daughter's bank accounts overseas, making her a co-conspirator. Maybe Juthamas sent out a Nigerian email saying she was the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and had a budget of $10 million for a film festival to share with interested foreign criminals - no prior experience in the film industry needed! LOL. Stupid b*tch.