Thai Transport Ministry Drops Suphoth Graft Probe, Citing Lack Of Evidence

[webfact]

Ministry drops Suphoth graft probe, citing lack of evidence

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- There is insufficient evidence to take disciplinary action against suspended Transport permanent secretary Suphoth Sublom, the chairman of an internal fact-finding committee investigating corruption allegations against the bureaucrat said yesterday, adding that the probe was now concluded.

"The fact-finding committee agreed that, while there are still doubts in the public's mind, the facts turned up by the investigation - both in terms of how much money was stolen from Suphoth's house, and whether Suphoth earned the money properly - do not provide sufficient evidence to propose that authorities take disciplinary action against him under the Civil Service Act," PM's Office Ministry permanent secretary Tongthong Chandransu, the panel's chairman, said yesterday.

Tongthong said the committee would halt its investigation and closely follow the results of probes by other agencies, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

Tongthong was appointed to head the committee in November.

Public prosecutors on February 10 submitted cases against nine people accused of stealing Bt18 million from Suphoth's home.

Suphoth - who insists only Bt5 million was taken - earlier asked the NACC to extend the deadline for him to present his defence against graft allegations from February 7 for another 30 days, saying he needed to request financial documents from many banks.

-- The Nation 2012-02-21

[prefabs]

Why am I not surprised at this news? Have I been in Thailand too long?

[Reasonableman]

Shameless, but expected.

[Tropicalevo]

Why am I not surprised at this news? Have I been in Thailand too long?

My thoughts exactly

[whybother]

while there are still doubts in the public's mind

Which was the whole point of this exercise...

[AleG]

Translation, "A proper investigation and trial would open a humongous can of worms, so we'll just drop it."

[airconsult]

Ah, one permanent secretary finds that there is not enough evidence to prosecute another permanent secretary.... even though he had more assets than he could afford on his salary (money, houses, cars). Perhaps his wife just saved the housekeeping money? Always bought at foodland instead of villa market? Yes.... that must be it......

(sorry, not prosecute - this is just for disciplinary action within the public service....)

On that, maybe they should have done a translation of Yes, Minister for thai television - but the ministry would not allow it to be shown.....

Edited February 21, 2012 by airconsult

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Not that I'm saying the final outcome is likely to be any different... but...

This conclusion above is merely the civil service/personnel level investigation into the guy's activities...

That's unrelated to other probes, including corruption by the NACC and perhaps ultimately criminal charges....

I'm just pointing that out for clarity's sake... But given the history of such inquiries in Thailand and their end result, the likely outcome is the whole thing will eventually end up in the toilet somewhere.

[necronx99]

Don't all be so negative. There is still a NACC investigation going on.

Any day now they will release a statement saying they have reviewed all evidence gathered by the internal fact finding committee and have reached the conclusion that there is in fact no case to answer. It was obviously a case of the maid just being extra diligent in getting all the loose change out of the back of the sofa and other generally thrifty habits.

[meatboy]

money grows on trees,didnt you now that,he has a big garden and pigs can fly.

[OzMick]

While the result may seem inexplicable, there is a hint if you read closely.

"Tongthong was appointed to head the committee in November."

Any chance k. Tingtong was formerly a red guard?

[airconsult]

While the result may seem inexplicable, there is a hint if you read closely.

"Tongthong was appointed to head the committee in November."

Any chance k. Tingtong was formerly a red guard?

No, he's a well-educated long-serving civil servant - collecting the usual perks along the way (eg, he is a Director of MCOT) http://mcot.listedcompany.com/directors_Thongtong.html

In the UK civil service you would say he is "One of us".

from that link, short bio

Date of Birth: 8 June 1955 Current Position:

• Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office
  

Education:

• LL.B. (Honors), Chulalongkorn University
  
• B.A. in Communication Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
  
• LL.M., New York University
  
• M.A in Political Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
  
• Barrister – at – Law, Thai Bar Association
  
• National Defense College, Class 4313
  

Working Experience:

• Secretary –General, Office of the Education Council
  
• Vice Chairman, the Board of Director, MCOT Plc.
  
• Member and Spokesman, Constitution Drafting Committee, Constitution Drafting Council
  
• Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice
  
• Spokesman, Ministry of Justice
  
• Member of Council of State, Office of the Council of State
  

[geriatrickid]

While the result may seem inexplicable, there is a hint if you read closely.

"Tongthong was appointed to head the committee in November."

Any chance k. Tingtong was formerly a red guard?

Historically, he was aligned with the Democrats. Hs civil service career began in 1979, long before the Redshirts were around.

The alleged source of funds is linked to the Chinese contracts agreed to during the administration of Abhisit.

On July 9, 2010 Abhisit's deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut is quoted as saying that the government had approved the proposal for the government to borrow US$ 400 million (12.4 billion baht at the time) from China to develop the railway system, The loan money would come from the Export-Import Bank of China.

In this case, the former Democrat administration has ownership. IMO it is one of the reasons why Mr. Abhisit and the Democrats haven't said much about this matter and prefer instead to obsess over a meeting at the Four Seasons.

edited for some bad syntax.

Edited February 21, 2012 by geriatrickid

[pisico]

Outcome expected in a country with a long tradition of corruption and graft... Same as in most countries in Africa, South America and Asia. Business as usual. Please, do not rock the boat!

[rubl]

While the result may seem inexplicable, there is a hint if you read closely.

"Tongthong was appointed to head the committee in November."

Any chance k. Tingtong was formerly a red guard?

Historically, he was aligned with the Democrats. Hs civil service career began in 1979, long before the Redshirts were around.

The alleged source of funds is linked to the Chinese contracts agreed to during the administration of of Abhisit.

On July 9, 2010 quoted Abhisit's deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut as saying that the government had approved the proposal for the government to borrow US$ 400 million (12.4 billion baht at the time) from China to develop the railway system, The loan money would come from the Export-Import Bank of China.

In this case, the former Democrat administration has ownership. IMO it is one of the reasons why Mr. Abhisit and the Democrats haven't said much about this matter and prefer instead to obsess over a meeting at the Four Seasons.

You suggest that the approval for asking for a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China has enriched some people? Before the loan was even approved by the bank and money transferred? For most banks that would be sufficient ground to withdraw / refuse the loan, wouldn't it ?

[Payboy]

money grows on trees,didnt you now that,he has a big garden and pigs can fly.

That explains the helipad in his garden.

Edited February 21, 2012 by Payboy

[OzMick]

I apologise for making an overly subtle satyrical suggestion - the devil made me do it.

Note to moderators - could a big red satire button be arranged?

[geriatrickid]

You suggest that the approval for asking for a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China has enriched some people? Before the loan was even approved by the bank and money transferred? For most banks that would be sufficient ground to withdraw / refuse the loan, wouldn't it ?

Step back for a minute and ask yourself how the Chinese do business. There is a bit of friendly courtship long before the loan is made.

[rubl]

It was suggested earlier that the 5 to 200 millions stolen from k. Suphot's house were related to the bidding for subway lines

"During a parliamentary session 2011-11-24, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung charged that the money stolen from Suphoth's home in Bangkok's Lard Phrao district was a kickback paid in connection with the bidding for several subway mass transit lines, which took place during the previous government's tenure."

On 2011-11-28 "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."

Personally I can't remember Dept. PM Chalerm to have disclosed much on this within those two weeks promised. It's also awfully quiet regarding the burglary suspects still on the run (in Laos it was suggested). The Police Force was hot on their trail recovering stolen money.

Yesterday I just happened to see lots of money with 1000 Baht packed in THB 200,000 bundles. A fashionable attaché case couldn't fit more than THB 1,000,000 I think.

[geriatrickid]

It was suggested earlier that the 5 to 200 millions stolen from k. Suphot's house were related to the bidding for subway lines

"During a parliamentary session 2011-11-24, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung charged that the money stolen from Suphoth's home in Bangkok's Lard Phrao district was a kickback paid in connection with the bidding for several subway mass transit lines, which took place during the previous government's tenure."

On 2011-11-28 "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."

Personally I can't remember Dept. PM Chalerm to have disclosed much on this within those two weeks promised. It's also awfully quiet regarding the burglary suspects still on the run (in Laos it was suggested). The Police Force was hot on their trail recovering stolen money.

Yesterday I just happened to see lots of money with 1000 Baht packed in THB 200,000 bundles. A fashionable attaché case couldn't fit more than THB 1,000,000 I think.

I think the subway is only one item. You can only skim so much. To amass this kind of money you do it over time.

Putting aside political parties, this affair is disgusting. At the very least he should be prosecuted for tax evasion as I doubt he declared this income.

Until PM Yingluck deals with corruption, nothing will change. Abhisit failed to do it and look at the mess he left.

The military junta wouldn't do anything and look at the mess. Mr. Thaksin did nothing and look at the mess. On and on it goes.

Maybe a Chinese approach would work: A few public executions. I dunno. Basically, I gave up long ago.

[whybother]

I think the subway is only one item. You can only skim so much. To amass this kind of money you do it over time.

Putting aside political parties, this affair is disgusting. At the very least he should be prosecuted for tax evasion as I doubt he declared this income.

Until PM Yingluck deals with corruption, nothing will change. Abhisit failed to do it and look at the mess he left.

The military junta wouldn't do anything and look at the mess. Mr. Thaksin did nothing and look at the mess. On and on it goes.

Maybe a Chinese approach would work: A few public executions. I dunno. Basically, I gave up long ago.

At this point, he hasn't amassed any money so hasn't evaded any tax.

Edited February 21, 2012 by whybother

[Buchholz]

There is insufficient evidence to take disciplinary action against suspended Transport permanent secretary Suphoth Sublom, the chairman of an internal fact-finding committee investigating corruption allegations against the bureaucrat said yesterday, adding that the probe was now concluded.

steady the course

otherwise, the 19th century could catch up with Thailand

.

[blows]

"lack of evidence"

Happens every time once the tea money has been paid.

[blows]

Until PM Yingluck deals with corruption, nothing will change. Thaksin failed to do it and look at the mess he left.

[Reasonableman]

I think the subway is only one item. You can only skim so much. To amass this kind of money you do it over time.

Putting aside political parties, this affair is disgusting. At the very least he should be prosecuted for tax evasion as I doubt he declared this income.

Until PM Yingluck deals with corruption, nothing will change. Abhisit failed to do it and look at the mess he left.

The military junta wouldn't do anything and look at the mess. Mr. Thaksin did nothing and look at the mess. On and on it goes.

Maybe a Chinese approach would work: A few public executions. I dunno. Basically, I gave up long ago.

At this point, he hasn't amassed any money so hasn't evaded any tax.

Some of the bundles of money were traced by their wrappers and serial numbers to the originating banks, and back to the bidders for transport infrastructure contracts, I seem to recall. Has this evidence suddenly been "disappeared", or deemed irrelevant? <deleted>?

[Reasonableman]

It was suggested earlier that the 5 to 200 millions stolen from k. Suphot's house were related to the bidding for subway lines

"During a parliamentary session 2011-11-24, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung charged that the money stolen from Suphoth's home in Bangkok's Lard Phrao district was a kickback paid in connection with the bidding for several subway mass transit lines, which took place during the previous government's tenure."

On 2011-11-28 "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."

Personally I can't remember Dept. PM Chalerm to have disclosed much on this within those two weeks promised. It's also awfully quiet regarding the burglary suspects still on the run (in Laos it was suggested). The Police Force was hot on their trail recovering stolen money.

Yesterday I just happened to see lots of money with 1000 Baht packed in THB 200,000 bundles. A fashionable attaché case couldn't fit more than THB 1,000,000 I think.

I think the subway is only one item. You can only skim so much. To amass this kind of money you do it over time.

Putting aside political parties, this affair is disgusting. At the very least he should be prosecuted for tax evasion as I doubt he declared this income.

Until PM Yingluck deals with corruption, nothing will change. Abhisit failed to do it and look at the mess he left.

The military junta wouldn't do anything and look at the mess. Mr. Thaksin did nothing and look at the mess. On and on it goes.

Maybe a Chinese approach would work: A few public executions. I dunno. Basically, I gave up long ago.

Sorry, but this IS the Chinese approach! Amass as much money as you can any way you can. That's why they now have the death penalty in China.

[bigbamboo]

I apologise for making an overly subtle satyrical suggestion - the devil made me do it.

Note to moderators - could a big red satire button be arranged?

What about one of those sound effects that tells Thai viewers when something is not to be taken seriously?

[airconsult]

I think the subway is only one item. You can only skim so much. To amass this kind of money you do it over time.

Putting aside political parties, this affair is disgusting. At the very least he should be prosecuted for tax evasion as I doubt he declared this income.

Until PM Yingluck deals with corruption, nothing will change. Abhisit failed to do it and look at the mess he left.

The military junta wouldn't do anything and look at the mess. Mr. Thaksin did nothing and look at the mess. On and on it goes.

Maybe a Chinese approach would work: A few public executions. I dunno. Basically, I gave up long ago.

At this point, he hasn't amassed any money so hasn't evaded any tax.

Some of the bundles of money were traced by their wrappers and serial numbers to the originating banks, and back to the bidders for transport infrastructure contracts, I seem to recall. Has this evidence suddenly been "disappeared", or deemed irrelevant? <deleted>?

I believe that was the NACC statement - the way this works is that the internal investigation of the transport ministry will say it didn't have access to that evidence as the NACC had it - therefore it cannot be considered....... Of course the danger now is that the NACC will point out that they didn't have some of the information that the internal investigation had - and therefore close the investigation.....

[AleG]

Until PM Yingluck deals with corruption, nothing will change. Thaksin failed to do it and look at the mess he left.

Oh, Thaksin dealt with corruption very, very much indeed.

Made him stinking rich.

[Unkomoncents]

Thailand: Land of the Corrupt and Home of the Incompetent. Well, at least the country is staying true to form. I'd hate to assume that everyone in the government is corrupt and then make the unfortunate mistake of accusing the innocent.