Nine NLA members opposed to asset disclosure worth more than Bt200m

[Lite Beer]

Nine NLA members opposed to asset disclosure worth more than Bt200m
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Nine of the 28 National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members, who recently petitioned the Administrative Court unsuccessfully against disclosing their assets, have net assets worth more than Bt200 million each, it was disclosed yesterday.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) yesterday disclosed the assets of the 28 NLA members after the court had earlier rejected their appeal against the anti-graft agency's resolution for all NLA members to declare their assets publicly.

At the top of the rich list is former appointed senator Chatchawan Apibhansri, who has more than Bt838 million, which includes investments worth more than Bt380 million and property worth almost Bt300 million.

Real estate businessman Sutham Phanthusak has assets worth more than Bt637 million with more than Bt290 million in investments and Bt98 million loaned assets.

General Pairoj Panichsamai, a former close aide to Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda, has net assets worth Bt388 million, with more than Bt209 million in investments.

General Yuvanut Siriyakul na Ayudhaya, who was in the same military-school class as PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha, has net assets of Bt340 million. He owns more than 100 valuable Buddha statues, gold bullion and accessories worth more than Bt53 million. His spouse owns property worth Bt158 million.

General Chayuti Suvanamas has Bt295 million worth of net assets, which includes Bt240 million worth of property. Former Air Force chief Air Chief Marshall Ithaporn Suphawong has assets worth more than Bt263 million, including Bt92 million worth of property.

Colonel Pongchai Warachit, chairman of Liberty Insurance Co has net assets worth Bt219 million, including property worth Bt130 million. Police Lt-General Boon-ruang Ponpanich, owns Bt204 million net assets, including Bt181 million in investments.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Nine-NLA-members-opposed-to-asset-disclosure-worth-30244758.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-04

[Mango Bob]

Generals seem to be unusually rich when you compare to Generals from other countries.

[NongKhaiKid]

Generals seem to be unusually rich when you compare to Generals from other countries.

Military Generals, Police Generals in fact all sorts of officials have assets that don't exactly square with their salaries.

[Thailand]

Generals seem to be unusually rich when you compare to Generals from other countries.

Military Generals, Police Generals in fact all sorts of officials have assets that don't exactly square with their salaries.

You don't progress in the military ( And many other occupations) in Thailand without utilising assets.

Probably inherited wealth in the case of the elite.

[ramrod711]

Don't want to disclose your assets? Find another job! The country doesn't need you, the country needs people that are willing to obey laws and make some sacrifices. Hard to believe that these people don't realize how bad this makes them look.

[NongKhaiKid]

Generals seem to be unusually rich when you compare to Generals from other countries.

Military Generals, Police Generals in fact all sorts of officials have assets that don't exactly square with their salaries.

You don't progress in the military ( And many other occupations) in Thailand without utilising assets.

Probably inherited wealth in the case of the elite.

My landlord is an Army Major now but a Lieutenant when I moved in 9 years ago. The family are not well off by any stretch and until recently had many debts which he managed to pay off courtesy of a large interest fee loan from the army but he still has problems as the re-payments are deducted at source and his available.monthly salary is drastically reduced.

On first moving in I learned he spent a lot of money wining and dining his bosses several times a week to get promotion, it worked but at quite a cost, literally.

Last year he went crazy on a ' big face ' wedding for his son who married a horrible, grabbing harridan and senior military officers all but outnumbered the family.

I understand another promotion isn't far away !

[hanuman2543]

Generals seem to be unusually rich when you compare to Generals from other countries.

Military Generals, Police Generals in fact all sorts of officials have assets that don't exactly square with their salaries.

You don't progress in the military ( And many other occupations) in Thailand without utilising assets.

Probably inherited wealth in the case of the elite.

When inherited or in another way legally acquired why secretly approaching a court with the aim to not disclose it? Makes no sense for me.

[smutcakes]

Don't want to disclose your assets? Find another job! The country doesn't need you, the country needs people that are willing to obey laws and make some sacrifices. Hard to believe that these people don't realize how bad this makes them look.

This is my feeling more than anything. It is clearly obvious that they are all very wealthy however they may have come from it. I expect a lot of the police and army are wealthy due to coming from long lines of police and army families where wealth has been accumulated by hook or crook and/or legitimate business over the years. I am imagine the onset of increased media, social media etc, that even if the transparency now is not great, it at least makes those up to no good be a bit more circumspect than it was going back 25+years.

Like you my overwhelming feeling is how can these people not see the reality of how this appears to those outside, the reluctance to declare assets. Surely they knew this would come up, and if they really did not want to declare they could easily step back. I am unsure whether they are somehow detached from reality in some respect, or are just surrounded by people who would never question them, and just cannot gauge or have any feeling/self awareness of public perception. I really do find it all a little strange how these people are seemingly so out of touch with reality of the modern world.

[NongKhaiKid]

Generals seem to be unusually rich when you compare to Generals from other countries.

Military Generals, Police Generals in fact all sorts of officials have assets that don't exactly square with their salaries.

You don't progress in the military ( And many other occupations) in Thailand without utilising assets.

Probably inherited wealth in the case of the elite.

When inherited or in another way legally acquired why secretly approaching a court with the aim to not disclose it? Makes no sense for me.

Exactly, your post and that from Ramrod just show how stupid these clowns are by drawing attention and making an iffy situation even more sinister looking.

[WitawatWatawit]

Don't want to disclose your assets? Find another job! The country doesn't need you, the country needs people that are willing to obey laws and make some sacrifices. Hard to believe that these people don't realize how bad this makes them look.

This is my feeling more than anything. It is clearly obvious that they are all very wealthy however they may have come from it. I expect a lot of the police and army are wealthy due to coming from long lines of police and army families where wealth has been accumulated by hook or crook and/or legitimate business over the years. I am imagine the onset of increased media, social media etc, that even if the transparency now is not great, it at least makes those up to no good be a bit more circumspect than it was going back 25+years.

Like you my overwhelming feeling is how can these people not see the reality of how this appears to those outside, the reluctance to declare assets. Surely they knew this would come up, and if they really did not want to declare they could easily step back. I am unsure whether they are somehow detached from reality in some respect, or are just surrounded by people who would never question them, and just cannot gauge or have any feeling/self awareness of public perception. I really do find it all a little strange how these people are seemingly so out of touch with reality of the modern world.

Observing these people over the years, it's not hard to imagine at all. The amazing amount of arrogance ingrained in this society is not really understood by many outsiders. A lot of it comes from a lifetime of having their derrieres kissed furiously - call it sycophancy, grovelling, subservience, submissiveness, whatever - it all leads to a feeling of sublime superiority on the part of the kissed. You see it everywhere. For example, one day the odious Chalerm came into my office. Now this is a guy who is despised by all - loathed, hated, reviled - yet my colleagues smiled and grovelled around him the whole time, running to meet his every request and hanging off his every utterance and laughing merrily like he was "Nose". I felt truly sick. So yes, under those circumstances they become arrogant and it makes them feel bullet-proof. The sad part is that the mechanisms are not in place to bring them back down to earth, although maybe these NLA members might learn some lessons - we can only hope.

[worgeordie]

Maybe time for the Tax man to start looking at some

of these people,but i am sure everything is above board

regards Worgeordie

[ratcatcher]

Don't want to disclose your assets? Find another job! The country doesn't need you, the country needs people that are willing to obey laws and make some sacrifices. Hard to believe that these people don't realize how bad this makes them look.

This is my feeling more than anything. It is clearly obvious that they are all very wealthy however they may have come from it. I expect a lot of the police and army are wealthy due to coming from long lines of police and army families where wealth has been accumulated by hook or crook and/or legitimate business over the years. I am imagine the onset of increased media, social media etc, that even if the transparency now is not great, it at least makes those up to no good be a bit more circumspect than it was going back 25+years.

Like you my overwhelming feeling is how can these people not see the reality of how this appears to those outside, the reluctance to declare assets. Surely they knew this would come up, and if they really did not want to declare they could easily step back. I am unsure whether they are somehow detached from reality in some respect, or are just surrounded by people who would never question them, and just cannot gauge or have any feeling/self awareness of public perception. I really do find it all a little strange how these people are seemingly so out of touch with reality of the modern world.

Observing these people over the years, it's not hard to imagine at all. The amazing amount of arrogance ingrained in this society is not really understood by many outsiders. A lot of it comes from a lifetime of having their derrieres kissed furiously - call it sycophancy, grovelling, subservience, submissiveness, whatever - it all leads to a feeling of sublime superiority on the part of the kissed. You see it everywhere. For example, one day the odious Chalerm came into my office. Now this is a guy who is despised by all - loathed, hated, reviled - yet my colleagues smiled and grovelled around him the whole time, running to meet his every request and hanging off his every utterance and laughing merrily like he was "Nose". I felt truly sick. So yes, under those circumstances they become arrogant and it makes them feel bullet-proof. The sad part is that the mechanisms are not in place to bring them back down to earth, although maybe these NLA members might learn some lessons - we can only hope.

"...one day the odious Chalerm came into my office."

I can just picture you sitting behind your desk and saying, after all the flapping around had settled down, "And who are you ?"

[Chris Lawrence]

When I get reincarnated, I want to come back as a Thai General, Police General or Admiral. They seem to have all the luck with money?

[Maroon Watcher]

This is Thai culture - some Thais told me they prefer it that way

(None of them are poor)

[Anthony5]

Sounds like the army is paying well in Thailand.

[h90]

Don't want to disclose your assets? Find another job! The country doesn't need you, the country needs people that are willing to obey laws and make some sacrifices. Hard to believe that these people don't realize how bad this makes them look.

No...if this government is serious about fighting corruption. They would now be suspended from all jobs and their assets checked in detail....where they come from. If they don't want to disclose their asset we should automatically assume that there is something illegal with them (not paid income tax, corruption, etc).

If something is found, their money....all...their properties and the money and properties of their family if they can not proof where it comes from should be seized.

They of course should stay in jail for at least 10 years.

[Robby nz]

This is Baht remember, I guess 200 million isn't all that much for a lifetime of work if they have been prudent and invested wisely, these aren't young men and there is also the likelihood their wives brought something to the pot .

If they started with a fair inheritance then even more reasonable.

Would you think it wise to have someone who is broke in their later years running the country, someone who has lost or spent everything they ever had ?

Edited October 4, 2014 by Robby nz

[chainarong]

These arsoles are still living in yester- year, there is not much to say about these kind of antiques, they don't understand that time has marched on , kick the buggers out and recall for nominations for nine positions, mind you it will all be the same and business as usual when the civilian government takes control , this sort of incidence would probably end in a court case with damaged reputations of some pathetic kind being levelled at officials , nothing has changed, just the names , for now.

[casindonet]

Don't want to disclose your assets? Find another job! The country doesn't need you, the country needs people that are willing to obey laws and make some sacrifices. Hard to believe that these people don't realize how bad this makes them look.

No...if this government is serious about fighting corruption. They would now be suspended from all jobs and their assets checked in detail....where they come from. If they don't want to disclose their asset we should automatically assume that there is something illegal with them (not paid income tax, corruption, etc).

If something is found, their money....all...their properties and the money and properties of their family if they can not proof where it comes from should be seized.

They of course should stay in jail for at least 10 years.

I truly support what u are suggesting & that is what thailand really need, but we both know for sure it will not happen in our life time or in our great-great-great grand of grand childrens time.

[FangFerang]

They are not unusually wealthy, they are typically well-heeled Thais (ghosts made deposits to our accounts, so we cannot give it back).

[rickirs]

And what of PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha ?

[fab4]

This is Baht remember, I guess 200 million isn't all that much for a lifetime of work if they have been prudent and invested wisely, these aren't young men and there is also the likelihood their wives brought something to the pot .

If they started with a fair inheritance then even more reasonable.

Would you think it wise to have someone who is broke in their later years running the country, someone who has lost or spent everything they ever had ?

Tell me if I'm wrong, but aren't you one of the usual suspects that continually go on about Thaksins wealth and the supposed disconnect from "ordinary" people? But when it comes to the junta, you're falling over yourself to offer an explanation for their wealth.........................

[Baerboxer]

Generals seem to be unusually rich when you compare to Generals from other countries.

Military Generals, Police Generals in fact all sorts of officials have assets that don't exactly square with their salaries.

Maybe they are just wise and careful investors - like a certain Dr, Police Lt. Col. who has overseen the family wealth increase 450% over a 3 year period.

Clever these rich officer types!

[Baerboxer]

This is Baht remember, I guess 200 million isn't all that much for a lifetime of work if they have been prudent and invested wisely, these aren't young men and there is also the likelihood their wives brought something to the pot .

If they started with a fair inheritance then even more reasonable.

Would you think it wise to have someone who is broke in their later years running the country, someone who has lost or spent everything they ever had ?

Tell me if I'm wrong, but aren't you one of the usual suspects that continually go on about Thaksins wealth and the supposed disconnect from "ordinary" people? But when it comes to the junta, you're falling over yourself to offer an explanation for their wealth.........................

Fair point. The wealthy hiso elite families are all super mega rich. The difference between those who have and those who don't is polarized. How they originally got and maintain that wealth is, well, one of those mysteries.

And yes, you are right. Thaksin and the Shin clan are right up there in that strata too.

[Baerboxer]

This is Baht remember, I guess 200 million isn't all that much for a lifetime of work if they have been prudent and invested wisely, these aren't young men and there is also the likelihood their wives brought something to the pot .

If they started with a fair inheritance then even more reasonable.

Would you think it wise to have someone who is broke in their later years running the country, someone who has lost or spent everything they ever had ?

GBP 3 - 4m. How many people in the UK have that amount of family wealth? Funnily enough, probably a lot in politics.

And a lot of those love to be seen of champions of the "people" too.

[heybruce]

Generals seem to be unusually rich when you compare to Generals from other countries.

And these are the guys who are going to rescue this country from corruption and self-serving politicians.

[BirdsandBooze]

Most generals are from HiSo stock and alongside their military careers sit on the boards of large national companies. You need wealth and patronage to rise to the top.

[jayboy]

This is Baht remember, I guess 200 million isn't all that much for a lifetime of work if they have been prudent and invested wisely, these aren't young men and there is also the likelihood their wives brought something to the pot .

If they started with a fair inheritance then even more reasonable.

Would you think it wise to have someone who is broke in their later years running the country, someone who has lost or spent everything they ever had ?

I respect H90's previous post.He is someone with whom I frequently disagree and I presume is a supporter of Suthep and possibly the military intervention.Yet he has the integrity to make clear his disgust at these scumbags.

Some are the precise opposite, contemptible lickspittles - seeking to defend the indefensible.

[rubl]

This is Baht remember, I guess 200 million isn't all that much for a lifetime of work if they have been prudent and invested wisely, these aren't young men and there is also the likelihood their wives brought something to the pot .

If they started with a fair inheritance then even more reasonable.

Would you think it wise to have someone who is broke in their later years running the country, someone who has lost or spent everything they ever had ?

Tell me if I'm wrong, but aren't you one of the usual suspects that continually go on about Thaksins wealth and the supposed disconnect from "ordinary" people? But when it comes to the junta, you're falling over yourself to offer an explanation for their wealth.........................

Junta? These are members of the NLA.

BTW it would seem that they did report their assets, only didn't like the idea of it being disclosed.

Anyway, one is a former Senator, so I assume he had reported his assets at least two times already, upon being appointed Senator, within so many days of the Senate being dissolved in May. Did you already do some digging?

[rubl]

And what of PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha ?

He's not a member of the NLA