Ex-Senior Defence Official Accused Of Unusual Wealth: Bangkok

[webfact]

NACC FREEZES BT65M OF GENERAL'S ASSETS
Ex-senior Defence official accused of unusual wealth
ATAPOOM ONGKULNA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) yesterday froze Bt65 million worth of assets belonging to retired General Satien Permthong-in pending a judicial review, on suspicion that they are ill-gotten gains.

Well-known Thammasat University Professor Sombat Chantarawong's name has surfaced in relation to the case, as Satien's adopted daughter asked him to invest Bt20 million for her in Thammasat University's Savings and Credit Cooperative.

NACC member Vicha Mahakun said Satien, who retired last year after serving as deputy permanent secretary of the Defence Ministry, was involved in two separate graft cases.

In the first case, the NACC found Satien to have falsely declared his wealth to conceal Bt14 million when he was a board member of the Public Warehouse Organisation from 2007 to 2008.

The NACC has forwarded this case for review to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

In the second case, the checks into Satien's asset statements uncovered unusual wealth and an allegedly unjustified money trail.

A number of asset statements were filed after 2008, when Satien served in top military positions, including as the commanding general of the Armed Forces Development Command.

While he was serving in this position, about Bt10 million was deposited into Satien's bank accounts without any credible explanation for his sudden increase in wealth, the NACC says.

His wife Natnicha and their adopted daughter Nichapat, meanwhile, saw Bt100 million flow into their bank accounts.

A portion of these funds, amounting to Bt20 million, was later diverted to Nichapat's thesis adviser, Sombat, who said he invested the money in Thammasat University's Savings and Credit Cooperative.

In his statement to the NACC, Sombat said Natnicha asked him to become a nominee to help park the family's funds.

Natnicha and Nichapat were involved in a number of land transactions, but have not been able to explain how the deals were financed, according to the NACC.

The frozen assets include five bank accounts, two vehicles and nine land plots. Sombat's Bt10-million investment in the cooperative has also been frozen.

The amount of the frozen assets was computed based on the value of questionable deals and concealed bank accounts.

Satien has been given 30 days to submit his rebuttals. As per the agency's graft procedures, the NACC will form a panel to examine the rebuttals.

Should the NACC decide against the defence arguments, it will then issue its findings on the source of the unusual wealth and allegedly falsified assets.

If there is cause to suspect an offence, the NACC will activate a prosecution via the Office of the Attorney-General.

Prosecutors would then seek two things - judicial endorsement to confiscate the ill-gotten gains as state property, and a guilty verdict on a charge of unusual wealth.

Those convicted of unusual wealth are subject to removal from office with retroactive effect and a five-year ban from future appointments.

The NACC last July asked the court to seize Bt64.7 million in assets from then Transport permanent secretary Suphoth Sublom, deeming it unusual wealth. This followed three earlier asset freezes amounting to about Bt82 million.

Suphoth's assets were investigated after a gang of burglars allegedly stole Bt100 million in cash from his Bangkok home in a break-in in November 2011. Police retrieved some Bt20 million of the cash - an amount much larger than the Bt5 million that Suphoth initially reported as stolen to police.

Dubbed "Thailand's Plato", Sombat, 68, is a prominent political-science academic. He was recognised as a National Researcher in 1995 while serving as a lecturer at Thammasat University's faculty of political science, where he has continued to serve as a special lecturer since his retirement.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree from Chulalongkorn University, Sombat earned a Bachelor of Arts from prestigious Claremont Men's College (now Claremont McKenna College) in California, and later a master's and a PhD from Claremont Graduate School.


-- The Nation 2013-02-27

[chooka]

Generals get paid pretty well in Thailand.

[Thai at Heart]

Funny story.

But, "Thailand's Plato". Come on.

[GentlemanJim]

Of all the people in Thailand that have 'unusual wealth' they start here! Ah well, it's a start, but I am unsure anything can happen, as unless this guy receives some kind of 'protection', he will spill the beans on the next and the next and so on. There are enough people out there in need of investigating to ensure the boys in the NACC are in work for 50 years. Now I wonder how many of those running the NACC have 'unusual wealth'?

[Ricardo]

Perhaps his wife was economical with the house-keeping money ?

[CWMcMurray]

This is a good thing....

Hopefully if he is not able to give reasonable proof, he will be convicted and face prison time

Wish the authorities good luck an hope they continue to investigate others for the same

If enough are convicted of these types of charges it may end up helping to stem the rampant corruption (some day)

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[Fozfromoz]

Wonder what happens to the assets after the freeze?

[OzMick]

This NACC just has to go. Who knows where this sort of thing could end up?

[eddie61]

Generals get paid pretty well in Thailand.

And there are an awful lot of them: thai armed forces have around 1600 generals. That amounts to 1 general per armoured fighting vehicle!!!!

[ezzra]

In the words of Mel Brooks,,it's good to be a general (king)....

[scotbeve]

Of all the people in Thailand that have 'unusual wealth' they start here! Ah well, it's a start, but I am unsure anything can happen, as unless this guy receives some kind of 'protection', he will spill the beans on the next and the next and so on. There are enough people out there in need of investigating to ensure the boys in the NACC are in work for 50 years. Now I wonder how many of those running the NACC have 'unusual wealth'?

Unfortunately, you're correct saying that this scumbag and his superiors will be protected... They'll pass around the hat and come up with a tidy sum for at least one "corruption buster". In 1997, Thailand was the hub of Merc imports!!!

[rogerdee123]

OK ... cheers to NACC for catching this guy .. but he's a minnow compared to the bigger fish they continue to ignore.

I suppose this is their token action/press release to meet their monthly quota or whatever.

[harber8]

This is well over a million pounds. People dream of this kind of money on western salaries.

I've worked in a few Thai schools and what this money could do for kids here is unmeasurable. Give it back to the people.

[dcutman]

Generals get paid pretty well in Thailand.

So do many other apparently. Or they all have an uncanny ability to invest with maximum gains.

Prime

Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has a net worth of 541 million baht in

assets over liabilities, the National Anti-Corruption Commission

(NACC) revealed on Wednesday.

Minister of Science and Technology Plodprasop Suraswadi is the richest

member of the cabinet, having reported 963 million baht more in

assets than liabilities. The poorest member is Deputy Transport

Minister Kittisak Hatthasonkroh who has reported 3.9 million baht in

assets over liabilities.

Other cabinet ministers and members of the former cabinet reported the following assets in excess of liabilities:

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has reported 178 million baht.

Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit has reported 75 million baht.

Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Kowit Wattana has reported 27 million baht.

Deputy Prime Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa has reported 441 million baht.

Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong has reported 59.9 million baht.

PM's Office Minister Surawit Khonsomboon has reported 99.4 million baht.

PM’s Office Minister Krissana Seehalak has reported 17.4 million baht.

Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa has reported 380 million baht.

Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala has reported 113 million baht.

Deputy Finance Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom has reported 4.44 million baht.

Deputy Finance Minister Wirun Techapaiboon has reported 166 million baht.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul has reported 45.6 million baht.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Santi Prompat has reported 18.7 million baht.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut has reported 5.13 million baht.

Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Pornsak Charoenprasert has reported 31.8 million baht.

Transport Minister ACM Sukampol Suwannathat has reported 46.9 million baht.

Deputy Transport Minister Pol Lt Gen Chat Kuldilok has reported 174 million baht.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk has reported 31 million baht.

Information and Communication Technology Minister Capt Anudith Nakornthap has reported 11.6 million baht.

Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has reported 193 million baht.

Deputy Commerce Minister Phum Saraphol has reported 43.7 million baht.

Deputy Commerce Minister Siriwat Kachornprasart has reported 26.4 million baht.

Deputy Interior Minister Chuchart Hansawat has reported 123 million baht.

Deputy Interior Minister Thanit Thienthong has reported 43.6 million baht.

Justice Minister Pol Gen Pracha Promnok has reported 279 million baht.

Labour Minister Padermchai Sasomsap has reported 32 million baht.

Culture Minister Sukumol Khunploem has reported 82.8 million baht.

Education Minister Worawat Ua-apinyakul has reported 24 million baht.

Deputy Education Minister Boonruen Srithares has reported 28.6 million baht.

Deputy Education Minister Surapong Ung-ampornwilai has reported 216 million baht.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri has reported 11.3 million baht .

Deputy Public Health Minister Torpong Chaiyasarn has reported 6.14 million baht.

Industry Minister Wannarat Channukul has reported 238 million baht in assets.

Former prime minister and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has reported 54 million baht more in assets than liabilities.

Former deputy prime minister Suthep Thuagsuban has reported 95 million baht.

Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanich has reported 870 million baht .

[AleG]

"Those convicted of unusual wealth are subject to removal from office with retroactive effect and a five-year ban from future appointments."

I guess a permanent ban is too much to ask for.

[arthurboy]

Why this guy from a cast of thousands?

Why now?

What has he done, and who has he upset?

Why not check the rest of the Thai military, say above colonel, for evidence of unusual wealth?

Questions, questions, questions...

Waiting for answers, answers, answers...

[Pimay1]

Anyone see a pattern here i.e Police or General and riches?

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has reported 178 million baht. 6 million USD

Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa has reported 380 million baht. 12.8 million USD

Deputy Transport Minister Pol Lt Gen Chat Kuldilok has reported 174 million baht. 5.9 million USD

Justice Minister Pol Gen Pracha Promnok has reported 279 million baht. 9.4 million USD

[dcutman]

Anyone see a pattern here i.e Police or General and riches?

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has reported 178 million baht. 6 million USD

Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa has reported 380 million baht. 12.8 million USD

Deputy Transport Minister Pol Lt Gen Chat Kuldilok has reported 174 million baht. 5.9 million USD

Justice Minister Pol Gen Pracha Promnok has reported 279 million baht. 9.4 million USD

It is understandable with so many traditional Chinese customs.

[Bellweather]

Of all the people in Thailand that have 'unusual wealth' they start here! Ah well, it's a start, but I am unsure anything can happen, as unless this guy receives some kind of 'protection', he will spill the beans on the next and the next and so on. There are enough people out there in need of investigating to ensure the boys in the NACC are in work for 50 years. Now I wonder how many of those running the NACC have 'unusual wealth'?

This is far from being a done deal as the NACC have only " resolved ' to seize the assets which are frozen BUT the good general has 30 days to enter his rebuttal. What's the bet his excuses will be accepted and he will be allowed to retain a portion, if not, all.

[NomadJoe]

It's cute when the government tries to make it seem like nearly every official isn't on on the take.

[webfact]

Ex-defence official's assets seized on corruption charges
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, Feb 27 – Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to confiscate over Bt65 million worth of assets from former permanent secretary for defence Sathian Permthong-in and his associates.

Vicha Mahakun, an NCCC member, said there is evidence to substantiate charges against Gen Sathien for his 'unusual wealth' including transfers of cash and assets to his wife Natnicha Permthong-in, his adopted daughter Nichapat Permthong-in and Sombat Chantornvong, a Thammasat University lecturer.

Gen Sathian was instructed to produce details of assets belonging to him and his family members to the NACC within 30 days.

The assets include Bt12 million cash in five savings accounts, land title deeds and automobiles.

Mr Vicha said the NACC found unscrupulous transfers of over Bt100 million cash into Mrs Natnicha’s and Ms Nichapat’s accounts in 2000-2001, and a transfer of Bt10 million to Mr Sombat who is not a sibling. The money was deposited in the savings cooperatives of Thammasat University.

Mr Sombat who was a PhD advisor for Ms Nichapat reportedly said the latter asked to deposit the money in the university’s savings cooperatives via his account, claiming a family dispute.

She later withdrew Bt1.2 million but the amount was seized by the NACC, Mr Vicha said.

He said the NACC has checked Gen Sathian’s assets since he was a board member of the state-operated Warehouse Organisation and found that he intentionally produced false documents on his assets and liabilities.

The NACC earlier submitted the case to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to seek legal action against him and his associates under Section 41 of the Constitution’s organic law on counter corruption, he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-02-27

[Pimay1]

Another honest mistake I'm sure.

[EyesWideOpen]

Too funny for words..... I actually do not believe ANY government official could survive a full background investigation into why they have umpteen million baht on a meager government salary. But these officials probably have nothing to worry about, as Chalerm survived his investigation into his unusual wealth. And has now come back stronger than ever. Although he did have to spend a bit of time overseas !! :-)

Edited February 27, 2013 by EyesWideOpen

[bigbamboo]

Practically all Thai public officials from Mr T down have lied about their wealth and become unusually rich whilst in office so what is so special about this guy?.

[smedly]

Of all the people in Thailand that have 'unusual wealth' they start here! Ah well, it's a start, but I am unsure anything can happen, as unless this guy receives some kind of 'protection', he will spill the beans on the next and the next and so on. There are enough people out there in need of investigating to ensure the boys in the NACC are in work for 50 years. Now I wonder how many of those running the NACC have 'unusual wealth'?

They are investigating him because he's retired and no threat

Lets investigate every current top ranked police officer - Military commader - government MP - Red Shirt Leader, and see just what they can uncover - follow the money trail

[clockman]

I will never believe in justice in Thailand, until some person goes to jail The laws just pay lip service. Nothing changes ever!

[how241]

Perhaps his wife was economical with the house-keeping money ?

+1

[GentlemanJim]

This is well over a million pounds. People dream of this kind of money on western salaries.

I've worked in a few Thai schools and what this money could do for kids here is unmeasurable. Give it back to the people.

Well, I guess it is really measurable actually. It would buy about 15000 tablets.......only another 950 000 to go ! he is but a minnow in a stinking pond full of very large bottom feeders.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The allegations provide a good window in the way things are done here...

The politician or VIP get the money and then passes it around to family members or related ventures for safe-keeping, so it's off his/her books for disclosure reporting.

I gotta laugh when I read the hundreds of millions of baht numbers listed in the official disclosures for the various VIPs posted above.

No doubt, in many cases, those large sums are only a fraction of the real money going into and out of their pockets.

[ccarbaugh]

"...They say that patriotism

is the last refuge

to which a scoundrel claims,

... Steal a little and they throw you in jail

steal a lot and they make you a saint...

...What's a Sweetheart like you,

doin' in a dump like this?" Bob Dylan

They wifey tells me that none of these crooks

has ever gone to jail here.