Suphoth Still Mum On Origin Of Bt18 Million Stolen From Home

[webfact]

MYSTERIOUS CASH

Suphoth still mum on origin of Bt18 million stolen from home

The Nation

Police hoping to track down suspected gang leader this week

Suphoth Sublom, the embattled permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, yesterday remained tight-lipped about the recovery of Bt18 million cash stolen from his house while police expect to track down this week the suspected gang leader, who is reportedly hiding in Laos.

"I do not wish to comment on the case because my remarks might fuel speculation and cause further confusion," Suphoth said.

He said he wants justice to run its course as the National Anti-Corruption Commission is conducting a graft probe while police are investigating the November 11 break-in at his home.

Wang Thonglang police are handling the case while Lt General Winai Thongsong from Metropoli-tan Police is supervising the investigation.

Police have detained eight of the 11 suspects. The total haul from Supoth's home may be as high as Bt200 million.

Pol Colonel Thawat Wongsanga, superintendent of Wang Thonglang station, said the Bt18 million cash was being kept at a confidential location to safeguard the evidence.

"I suspect even some police might get greedy in the face of so much cash," he said.

Investigators have scheduled an interview with Suphoth to determine why he reported only Bt5 million missing, he said.

Investigators were searching for Bt9 million which a suspect, Praphan Riengkruea, claimed to have helped a key suspect, Veerasak "Ko" Chualee, to stash away. Although Praphan later retracted his statement, investigators believe he was trying to change his defence tactics.

Investigators have been seeking the cooperation of Laotian police to find Veerasak.

The two other suspects on the run, Pongsak "Jieb" Namwong |and Kamnuan Meknoy, have not contacted police about surrendering.

Investigators suspect Pongsak is holed up in the outskirts of Bangkok while Kamnuan might have fled to the West.

Amid speculation that the cash might be related to alleged corruption at the Transport Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said he was gathering information on the bidding to construct two Skytrain routes - the purple and green - to disclose within two weeks to the public outside Parliament.

He said people might not remember that he had revealed information on the project in Parliament once.

"When we give a statement to officials, damaged parties and witnesses must watch out because we can be taken to task for giving a false statement.

"But suspects giving false statements, the law regards that as not committing an offence,'' he said.

"This issue will not end easily. The public must wait for another one to two weeks.''

Chalerm dropped a bombshell on November 24 during a House debate, saying that the burglary was linked to irregularities in Skytrain projects (new lines).

Former transport minister Sopon Saram has threatened to sue Chalerm for defamation, but Chalerm said he did not mention Sopon even once.

"I only suggested that if the permanent secretary had this massive amount of money, how much would the minister have? I did not even say which minister. What suit am I to face? I do not dare offend Sopon, as he might be angry. I have known him since 1988. Sopon has a bigger boss, doesn't he? If he does, please tell me who," Chalerm said.

On the investigation into the deaths of 91 people and the killings of Japanese and Italian journalists during the red-shirt rally last year, Chalerm said police have wrapped up their work and would forward their files to the Attorney-General's Office today.

"We will know by then who ordered the killings. What the orders said. What types of guns were used and the order was clear which part of the body to be shot at. I assure you that the evidence in the case is solid.

"I'm in charge of this case," Chalerm said.

-- The Nation 2011-11-28

[Ricardo]

"Spopn has a bigger boss doesn't he ? If he does, please tell me who." Chalerm said.

Et tu, Chalerm ?

[OzMick]

"I suspect even some police might get greedy in the face of so much cash,"

I suspect it would be an odd policeman who didn't get greedy where any cash is concerned.

[Credo]

I think I would become greedy at the site of so much money; especially if there was even a hint it was ill-gotten wealth.

[Oberkommando]

Looks like there's going to be some politically motivated progress on the case to answer for the killings last year.

Going to be some nervous Democrats today. Going to be interesting to see how it will all pan out.

As for Suphoth, he is wise to stay quiet, as his initial lies and denials only incriminated him further.

[frank2611]

Well he could have been minding it for someone!

[MrChangers]

Don't most people have this pocket change lying about the house? Not worth going to the bank for safe keeping is it? I love the "I don't want to say anything yet as I have not memorised the script"

[Oberkommando]

Best to keep some cash handy in order to pay bribes, whatever your social status is, as bribery and corruption is an inherent part of life here.

[PoorSucker]

Don't most people have this pocket change lying about the house? Not worth going to the bank for safe keeping is it? I love the "I don't want to say anything yet as I have not memorised the script"

Yingluck’s personal assets are worth Bt536 million, including Bt13 million in cash, Bt381 million in 13 bank accounts, Bt81 million in investment portfolios, Bt65 million in land plots and Bt162 million in real estate.

[sfbandung]

Well he could have been minding it for someone!

For me I hope.

They say the total haul from the house could be 200 million. A reasonably wealthy guy. And he only reported 5 million cash missing. I mean I probably couldn't tell you exactly how much money is in my house right now, but I sure as hell wouldn't be 13 million short.

[JohnAllan]

B5.0M; B12.0M; B17M; B18; B100; B200M. All of these figures, and more, have been bandied about over past days. Does anyone REALLY know the true figure? Chalerm certainly has no idea, but then, like his 'boss' - and many other politicians, for that matter - he always dives in without bothering to check whether the pool has been refilled. The burglars? They would say anything to deflect the heat. Suphoth? More likely, but would he say at this time? And moreover, why would he keep more than a few million Baht in his home? B100M? B200M? Seems a little far fetched; I doubt he's that stupid.

And not only has Chalerm evidence to support his Skytrain corruption allegations - bearing in mind that the Democrats were in opposition through most of the time - but has already concluded the investigation into the 91 deaths during last year's disturbances - even if the police haven't. With such astute ability, why is he only Deputy PM? And why wasn't he put in charge of flood management? Would have been over in a week.

Edited November 28, 2011 by JohnAllan

[klauskunkel]

"I do not wish to comment on the case because my remarks might fuel speculation and cause further confusion," Suphoth said.

As opposed to clearing the matter up...

[lannarebirth]

"I do not wish to comment on the case because my remarks might fuel speculation and cause further confusion," Suphoth said.

As opposed to clearing the matter up...

And how can he clear the matter up?

[samran]

Looks like there's going to be some politically motivated progress on the case to answer for the killings last year.

Going to be some nervous Democrats today. Going to be interesting to see how it will all pan out.

As for Suphoth, he is wise to stay quiet, as his initial lies and denials only incriminated him further.

I'm not up on MOTC politics but I thought the perm sec was Bhumh Thai aligned, or at least PT aligned under the last dem government. So I am not sure how the dems would be implicated.

It would be interesting to know what the going rate of replacing a MOTC perm sec is. Am wondering if the cash is his payoff from his successor.

[geriatrickid]

Looks like there's going to be some politically motivated progress on the case to answer for the killings last year.

Going to be some nervous Democrats today. Going to be interesting to see how it will all pan out.

As for Suphoth, he is wise to stay quiet, as his initial lies and denials only incriminated him further.

I'm not up on MOTC politics but I thought the perm sec was Bhumh Thai aligned, or at least PT aligned under the last dem government. So I am not sure how the dems would be implicated.

It would be interesting to know what the going rate of replacing a MOTC perm sec is. Am wondering if the cash is his payoff from his successor.

BJT was the 2nd largest member of the Democrat ruling coalition with the Transport minister a BJT member. BJT also held the Ministeries of the Interior and Commerce along with 4 key deputy minister positions. Basically, BJT aligned itself with the Democrats. BJT didn't want anything to do with the PTP. It made overtures following the PTP victory and those overtuures were rebuffed.

I believe the reference to Democrat uneasiness may stem from the ongoing investigation of the deaths of the protestors and the alleged targeting of the journalists.

[rubl]

Looks like there's going to be some politically motivated progress on the case to answer for the killings last year.

Going to be some nervous Democrats today. Going to be interesting to see how it will all pan out.

As for Suphoth, he is wise to stay quiet, as his initial lies and denials only incriminated him further.

I'm not up on MOTC politics but I thought the perm sec was Bhumh Thai aligned, or at least PT aligned under the last dem government. So I am not sure how the dems would be implicated.

It would be interesting to know what the going rate of replacing a MOTC perm sec is. Am wondering if the cash is his payoff from his successor.

BJT was the 2nd largest member of the Democrat ruling coalition with the Transport minister a BJT member. BJT also held the Ministeries of the Interior and Commerce along with 4 key deputy minister positions. Basically, BJT aligned itself with the Democrats. BJT didn't want anything to do with the PTP. It made overtures following the PTP victory and those overtuures were rebuffed.

I believe the reference to Democrat uneasiness may stem from the ongoing investigation of the deaths of the protestors and the alleged targeting of the journalists.

I believe some will do anything to distract from the OP which happens to be "Suphot still mum on origin of Bt18m stolen from his home". Investigation ongoing, no charged against the man. As some keep reminding me, 'innocent till proven guilty' (although in this case not easy to believe)

[lannarebirth]

Looks like there's going to be some politically motivated progress on the case to answer for the killings last year.

Going to be some nervous Democrats today. Going to be interesting to see how it will all pan out.

As for Suphoth, he is wise to stay quiet, as his initial lies and denials only incriminated him further.

I'm not up on MOTC politics but I thought the perm sec was Bhumh Thai aligned, or at least PT aligned under the last dem government. So I am not sure how the dems would be implicated.

It would be interesting to know what the going rate of replacing a MOTC perm sec is. Am wondering if the cash is his payoff from his successor.

BJT was the 2nd largest member of the Democrat ruling coalition with the Transport minister a BJT member. BJT also held the Ministeries of the Interior and Commerce along with 4 key deputy minister positions. Basically, BJT aligned itself with the Democrats. BJT didn't want anything to do with the PTP. It made overtures following the PTP victory and those overtuures were rebuffed.

I believe the reference to Democrat uneasiness may stem from the ongoing investigation of the deaths of the protestors and the alleged targeting of the journalists.

I believe some will do anything to distract from the OP which happens to be "Suphot still mum on origin of Bt18m stolen from his home". Investigation ongoing, no charged against the man. As some keep reminding me, 'innocent till proven guilty' (although in this case not easy to believe)

What is easy to believe is that just about anyone holding this man's government position would likely be exposed to corruption through kickbacks, bid fixing , etc. What's hard to believe is that anyone thinks they can make a case with the flimsy evidence assembled so far. Can anyone off the street walk in and show 2 million and say they got it from this guys house? How do you know this money came from the accused's house? how do you know the next bag they show came from his house? There's just no case here, thusfar.

Veera had a pretty good Op/Ed in the Bangkok Post today on the matter.

[yumidesign]

"I suspect even some police might get greedy in the face of so much cash,"

I suspect it would be an odd policeman who didn't get greedy where any cash is concerned.

this is a classic 555555

[Lite Beer]

Prayuth says Chalerm should provide evidence of Army officers getting involved in alleged bribe money

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said Monday that Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung should provide evidence to back up his allegation that certain senior Army officers were involved with alleged bribe money.

Prayuth was referring to the money robbed from the house of Transport Ministry Suphoth Sublom. So far, police have retrieved Bt18 million from alleged robbers.

Chalerm alleged that certain persons in green uniform were involved in the hiding of a lot of money at Suphoth's house.

Prayuth said Chaerm should clarify his statement by saying whether the persons in green uniform were active Army officers or not.

If they are active Army officers, Chalerm should provide evidence so that the officers would be arrested and filed charges against, Prayuth said.

-- The Nation 2011-11-28

[rubl]

The plot in thickening

Thailand Live Monday #26:

Posted Today, 12:09

Metropolitan 1 police confident key suspect in Transport perm-sec's home robbery is in Laos & has stashed the bulk of money in Thailand /TANN

Edited November 28, 2011 by rubl

[chuang]

Who knows how many more houses he uses to stack more money....he is a perm sect i wonder what about his superiors, stacking money in godowns..

[rubl]

Who knows how many more houses he uses to stack more money....he is a perm sect i wonder what about his superiors, stacking money in godowns..

I have a spare room in my apartment, using it for storage. I'm willing to put up with a few stacks of cash if someone requires space. I'll even give you a receipt

[whybother]

Prayuth says Chalerm should provide evidence of Army officers getting involved in alleged bribe money

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said Monday that Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung should provide evidence to back up his allegation that certain senior Army officers were involved with alleged bribe money.

Prayuth was referring to the money robbed from the house of Transport Ministry Suphoth Sublom. So far, police have retrieved Bt18 million from alleged robbers.

Chalerm alleged that certain persons in green uniform were involved in the hiding of a lot of money at Suphoth's house.

Prayuth said Chaerm should clarify his statement by saying whether the persons in green uniform were active Army officers or not.

If they are active Army officers, Chalerm should provide evidence so that the officers would be arrested and filed charges against, Prayuth said.

-- The Nation 2011-11-28

Chalerm seems to be taking over Jataporn's job of spreading rumours.

[Scott]

A post quoting another source has been deleted because it did not specify the source. If you are quoting an article, please post a link to the source. As most posters are aware, we are not permitted to post quotes or links to the Bangkok Post.

[webfact]

Police Affirm Key Robbery Suspect Still Alive

The city police chief says the transport ministry's permanent secretary, whose home was robbed recently, has been asked to meet investigators next week and come forward about the amount of money stolen from his home.

The officer dismissed as groundless a report that the key suspect in the case was murdered to thewart the probe into alleged corruption case against the official.

Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Lieutenant General Winai Thongsong, said the Provincial Police Region 4 is coordinating with Laotian authorities in the hunt for Weerasak Cheulee, who is suspected of acting as the leader for the robbery at the home of Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Supoj Saplom.

Winai said investigators believed Weerasak fled to Lao with the robbed cash of some 400,000 to 500,000 baht while more cash he received from other robbery suspects are in Kanchanaburi and eastern provinces.

The city police chief maintains that the fugitive suspect is still alive after it had been rumored that he was murdered to thwart an investigation into the unusual wealth case against Supoj and its possible link with a politician.

He went on to say that two other fugitive suspects, Pongsak Namwong and Kamnuan Meknoi, still have not contacted police or offered to turn themselves in.

The general said that Kamnuan is likely hiding out in the western border area close to Myanmar since he used to live in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Winai affirmed that the investigation will be carried out transparently and will be free from politics or politicians' intervention.

He said Supoj has been asked to meet with investigators next week to give them information about the robbery and the actual amount of cash that was stolen from his home.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-28

[mijan24]

Looks like there's going to be some politically motivated progress on the case to answer for the killings last year.

Going to be some nervous Democrats today. Going to be interesting to see how it will all pan out.

As for Suphoth, he is wise to stay quiet, as his initial lies and denials only incriminated him further.

How come it is only the actual money recovered they are talking about NOW I seem to remember the initial amount bandied about was somewhere in the order of 200,000,000.00 maybe the shortfall was in a very large cardboard carton as happened in a case involving the "kingpin" several years ago but that was only a shoebox.OMG.or here it should be OMB.

If thay are querying 18 million then surely sum of two hundred million must raise a few eyebrows?

Edited November 28, 2011 by mijan24

[IAMHERE]

How heavy is 18 million baht in 1000 baht notes? How many shoe boxes would it take to hold that money? I wonder if it was all stashed in the same place or scattered through out the house?

[geriatrickid]

At the end of the day, methinks this scandal is going to involve so many untouchables that no one will be able to let go of the tiger's tail. IMHO, we will see those assumed to be political opponents are quietly aligned and have similar vested interests.

[scorecard]

Prayuth says Chalerm should provide evidence of Army officers getting involved in alleged bribe money

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said Monday that Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung should provide evidence to back up his allegation that certain senior Army officers were involved with alleged bribe money.

Prayuth was referring to the money robbed from the house of Transport Ministry Suphoth Sublom. So far, police have retrieved Bt18 million from alleged robbers.

Chalerm alleged that certain persons in green uniform were involved in the hiding of a lot of money at Suphoth's house.

Prayuth said Chaerm should clarify his statement by saying whether the persons in green uniform were active Army officers or not.

If they are active Army officers, Chalerm should provide evidence so that the officers would be arrested and filed charges against, Prayuth said.

-- The Nation 2011-11-28

Good points, especially as chalerm is now the champion fighter of corruption, good way for him to get some scores on the board.

[Credo]

This will all be cleared up shortly. He will claim that the 5 million he reported stolen was from his daughter's dowry and the remainder of the money belonged to the maid!

Simple really. It's worked before.