Agencies Consider Embezzlement Allegations Against St Gabriel's Foundation: Bangkok

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St Gabriel's Foundation

Agencies consider embezzlement allegations

Piyanuch Thamnukasetchai

The Nation

DSI, AMLO asked to look into charges executives are 'unusually wealthy'

BANGKOK: -- The St Gabriel's Foundation and its executives have come under close scrutiny as authorities from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) consider requests to act on allegations that the foundation misused a fund entrusted to its care.

"Some priests from the foundation have served as directors of the Assumption schools and become unusually rich," Asst Prof Wiwatchai Kulamard said yesterday in his capacity as chief adviser to the Network of Parents and Youth. "Some have been playing golf on their own schools' golf courses".

newsjs

The network yesterday officially asked the DSI to scrutinise the bank accounts of the St Gabriel's Foundation and its 56 executive and priests. The foundation's current chairman is Sirichai Fonseka.

"We also call on the DSI to look into the bank accounts of people close to the foundation's executives and priests," Wiwatchai said.

The foundation runs several educational institutes in Thailand, including the well-known Assumption College (AC). Established more than a century ago, AC was hit with a major scandal earlier this year.

AC teachers protested against the then-AC director for not increasing their monthly pay in line with the Education Ministry's policy - and also for his decision to develop the school's Rama II campus. Earlier this week, the director was removed from his post after he reacted to a protest threat by suspending classes.

Wiwatchai yesterday said the budget for construction at the Rama II campus stood at well over Bt2.5 billion. "It's a huge fund," he said.

Wiwatchai said the DSI should investigate whether the foundation had used the fund in its care for educational purposes.

"Much of the fund in the foundation's care comes from donations," he said.

Wiwatchai alleged the AC collected up to Bt750,000 for each new primary student and Bt350,000 for each new secondary student.

"Tea money is apparently involved - but no one has really investigated it," he complained.

DSI deputy chief Sivaporn Chuenjitsiri said she would examine the information received to determine whether the case fell under the jurisdiction of the DSI.

Probe sought

"If not, we'll forward it to the relevant agencies," she said.

DSI chief Tarit Pengdith, meanwhile, said the allegation, if proven, could qualify as embezzlement of the foundation's fund.

Meanwhile, Nation Associate Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) secretary-general Mongkhonkit Suksintaranont disclosed he had called on the AMLO to investigate financial transactions by the foundation and three of its executives.

"I have also presented some evidence including information related to builders contracted by the foundation," he said.

AMLO secretary-general Seehanat Prayoonrat said he had already assigned officials to look into the petition filed by Mongkhonkit to determine which agencies were involved.

"As similar petitions are filed with other agencies, we'll determine first as to what action has already been taken," he said.

-- The Nation 2013-02-02

[Thai at Heart]

Religion, money, corruption, ethics, inaction, morals, hypocrisy.

Could this story go any deeper into the shateen?

A microcosm of yuk....

[arthurboy]

Religion, money, corruption, ethics, inaction, morals, hypocrisy.

Could this story go any deeper into the shateen?

A microcosm of yuk....

Ergo...no more needs to be said on the matter. Except, some follow up, conclusive reporting from the Nation.

[Thai at Heart]

Religion, money, corruption, ethics, inaction, morals, hypocrisy.

Could this story go any deeper into the shateen?

A microcosm of yuk....

Ergo...no more needs to be said on the matter. Except, some follow up, conclusive reporting from the Nation.

Reading the stories it's reasonable to assume the director isn't Thai. If they wanted, they could basically investigate any fee paying school in the country and find the same rubbish.

[arthurboy]

Religion, money, corruption, ethics, inaction, morals, hypocrisy.

Could this story go any deeper into the shateen?

A microcosm of yuk....

Ergo...no more needs to be said on the matter. Except, some follow up, conclusive reporting from the Nation.

Reading the stories it's reasonable to assume the director isn't Thai. If they wanted, they could basically investigate any fee paying school in the country and find the same rubbish.

''Tea money is apparently involved - but no one has really investigated it," he complained.

The subject of tea money is paramount here. All schools 'of note' demand - and I mean demand - tea money if you want your child to attend. It's clearly stated on all admission papers, under fees as a requirement - not a donation, which technically would be voluntary - for the school development fund. Some schools do not ask for a development payment, but demand a sizeable non-refundable admission registration fee instead.

Either way, every year, that amounts to a fair sized chunk of disposable and unaccountable cash in hand for the people who run these schools.

On any schools site, I have never scene any detailed public accounts on how much money is accumulated in this way, or on how the money is actually used.

In the interests of fairness and transparency, if anyone reading this has any information to the contrary, please would you post on here.

It's time this practice stopped. I mean honestly, what are the profit margins from term/ year fees, and how much does it really cost to register a child at these schools?

[Tatsujin]

Anyone else noticed that the relative "greed" in these kinds of things has increased substantially over the past few years? Winning contracts, entrance to schools etc ... the "costs" of these seem to have jumped up a lot.

[retell]

probably the were in the assumption that all was fine

never knew that playing golf required great funds of extravagant size specialy on a schoolground where he worked

[birdy1985]

The situation within the Saint Gabriel's foundation (HQ located on Thong Lor soi 25) is another example of persistent failings in part by the aforementioned agencies' powerlessness and secondly the fear the teachers live/work under that they may lose their jobs if they challenge the "priests"* in ANY way. Some are not even ordained and as such are freelancers milking the big cash cow.

Regarding the first point; Thai legislation seems to be weak in protecting the families and children of Thailand and I would assume it is because the "priests"* have become so wealthy that they can bribe their way out of anything. If they could act the whole organisation would collapse like the proverbial house of cards. Through first hand experience and I quote a child "Mr. [insert name] is still figuring out how to get more money out of my mum and dad". This is an epidemic throughout Thailand, sure, but these schools are the worst of all. Recruitment agencies are up to similar games with government schools.

On the latter, the fear placed on teachers worries all that work for the foundation at true academic level. Towing the line is the only way and removing bonuses to keep for the "priests"* themselves is part of that. Of course, if one does not like it they are shown the door. So there is a revolving door syndrome occuring. This again only benefits the "priests"* and accountants (another bunch in need of investigation). The way to address this, if the DSI has any balls, would be to go in and take statements. It is a sad fact that this happens in Catholic schools. They sure are having a lot of fun playing golf and driving off in their Mercedes'. Indeed it's true as I have seen it with my own eyes. This all culminates in a race to the bottom and too many students come out with a poor education as the schools involved cannot hold on to teachers by salami slicing the teachers' benefits. It's a case of being sane in insane places and keeping your mouth shut. I see no teachers commenting here. The ones actually getting the crumbs leftover from whatever is left of these said funds.

*read priests as directors.

[Boater]

And what about monks who have the latest iPhones, computers , brand new cars , flat screen TVs ect ect ... Oh and not let's forget the politicians and Mayors ... Or police officers who put 250k a month into there bank accounts yet are on a 15k salary ....

The list can go on and on , so why target these people ?

[Bagwan]

I'm not at all surprised. The Vatican has been in bed with the Mafia for years. It was Catholic priests who organised the escape route for Nazi war criminals over the Brenner Pass to Genoa where they sailed in ships going to South America. Pious X11 had a lot to answer for too. Then there was the case of the Vatican's banker found swinging from Blackfriars Bridge in London. Need I mention the cover up of perverts preying on and abusing young persons on a wide World basis?

I don't think much of other organised religions either. Religion, the opium of the masses, the Lottery a tax on the stupid.

[diddums]

Bad Habit.

[retell]

always thought the maffia was the church together with the banks and lawyers

[retell]

And what about monks who have the latest iPhones, computers , brand new cars , flat screen TVs ect ect ... Oh and not let's forget the politicians and Mayors ... Or police officers who put 250k a month into there bank accounts yet are on a 15k salary ....

The list can go on and on , so why target these people ?

blowers

[Payboy]

AC was hit with a major scandal earlier this year.

Last month.

[retell]

AC was hit with a major scandal earlier this year.

Last month.

dot forget their wonderful research about foreigners and how they like Thailand

[diddums]

AC was hit with a major scandal earlier this year.

Last month.

What he said innit

[birdy1985]

And what about monks who have the latest iPhones, computers , brand new cars , flat screen TVs ect ect ... Oh and not let's forget the politicians and Mayors ... Or police officers who put 250k a month into there bank accounts yet are on a 15k salary ....

The list can go on and on , so why target these people ?

BECAUSE it is not a religion that originated here and has ruined many a people. Do we really need to discuss stuff that couldn't or shouldn't be done? Let's start at least close to the top hey? As for what the natives do that is their business. I for one love Thailand and it would be very sad to see people constantly getting away with dirty practices. Sure, the checks and balances need to be revamped. Agreed. But let's not do a Baldwin and let the Nazis/Catholic church and theivery be one step ahead of us all the time!

[Payboy]

AC was hit with a major scandal earlier this year.

Last month.

What he said innit

Earlier this year makes it sound so long ago. Like scandals are few and far between.

[chooka]

So what has the Cardinal of Thailand got to say about all this? It is theft of funds plain and simple. Thou shall not steal is the 7th commandment.

Some may have booked a seat beside Lucifer.

The seventh commandment forbids unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one's neighbor and wronging him in any way with respect to his goods. It commands justice and charity in the care of earthly goods and the fruits of men's labor. For the sake of the common good, it requires respect for the universal destination of goods and respect for the right to private property.

— Catechism of the Catholic Church

Edited February 2, 2013 by chooka

[Rancid]

Well there are two types of corruption in Thailand:

1. Official and sanctioned corruption in the governmnet, bureaucracy, police and army.

2. Anything outside the official corrupt agencies. Those that pass the money along are ignored and those that don't become a news item demonstrating the governments zero corrption tolerence.

I wouldn't have thought it possible how it would seem the PT have outdone the Democrats in unbridled rape of the Treasury. What's more they couldn't care less who knows, suggesting they have a very secure hold on power. With the amounts being stolen there is plenty to pay off everyone. Would seem Thailand is morphing from a Corrupt State into a Mafia State.

[stoli]

Anyone else noticed that the relative "greed" in these kinds of things has increased substantially over the past few years? Winning contracts, entrance to schools etc ... the "costs" of these seem to have jumped up a lot.

And the cost of going to school in the US has jumped dramatically as well. Who is to say it wasn't justified to providing an education to our youth?

[MEL1]

Well there are two types of corruption in Thailand:

1. Official and sanctioned corruption in the governmnet, bureaucracy, police and army.

2. Anything outside the official corrupt agencies. Those that pass the money along are ignored and those that don't become a news item demonstrating the governments zero corrption tolerence.

I wouldn't have thought it possible how it would seem the PT have outdone the Democrats in unbridled rape of the Treasury. What's more they couldn't care less who knows, suggesting they have a very secure hold on power. With the amounts being stolen there is plenty to pay off everyone. Would seem Thailand is morphing from a Corrupt State into a Mafia State.

You missed the third.

3. Chalerm.

-mel.

[MEL1]

Religion, money, corruption, ethics, inaction, morals, hypocrisy.

Could this story go any deeper into the shateen?

A microcosm of yuk....

Ergo...no more needs to be said on the matter. Except, some follow up, conclusive reporting from the Nation.

Reading the stories it's reasonable to assume the director isn't Thai. If they wanted, they could basically investigate any fee paying school in the country and find the same rubbish.

''Tea money is apparently involved - but no one has really investigated it," he complained.

The subject of tea money is paramount here. All schools 'of note' demand - and I mean demand - tea money if you want your child to attend. It's clearly stated on all admission papers, under fees as a requirement - not a donation, which technically would be voluntary - for the school development fund. Some schools do not ask for a development payment, but demand a sizeable non-refundable admission registration fee instead.

Either way, every year, that amounts to a fair sized chunk of disposable and unaccountable cash in hand for the people who run these schools.

On any schools site, I have never scene any detailed public accounts on how much money is accumulated in this way, or on how the money is actually used.

In the interests of fairness and transparency, if anyone reading this has any information to the contrary, please would you post on here.

It's time this practice stopped. I mean honestly, what are the profit margins from term/ year fees, and how much does it really cost to register a child at these schools?

http://sjmis.ac.th/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=73

-mel.

[diddums]

AC was hit with a major scandal earlier this year.

Last month.

What he said innit

Earlier this year makes it sound so long ago. Like scandals are few and far between.

To some folk...a month ago is a long time.

[moe666]

In the end it is called the parents taking there kid else where

[retell]

chooka what happened with your post 7 cmd is relevant

Edited February 2, 2013 by retell

[Locationthailand]

I would really like to become 'unusually rich'. And I'd take my chances...

[retell]

I would really like to become 'unusually rich'. And I'd take my chances...

i would like that ,Locationthailand you have any royal blood?

[retell]

I would really like to become 'unusually rich'. And I'd take my chances...

i would like that ,Locationthailand you have any royal blood?

would say some as do we all

[brianP]

Send the Cat-lickers home, this is Buddha land, go away ye holier then thou asswipes!!!!!