Charupong has failed to report his assets, could face court, anti-graft agency warns

[Lite Beer]

Charupong has failed to report his assets, could face court, anti-graft agency warns
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- FORMER Interior minister Charupong Ruangsuwan has failed to report his assets and liabilities after leaving office and could risk a political ban or other penalties, a senior official of the anti-graft agency said Friday.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has sent Charupong, who has been living in exile overseas since the coup, three letters over the past two months, informing him about his legal obligation to submit a financial statement with the agency.

However, Charupong has yet to reply to the reminders, according to Thawatchai Sirisathanaphan, director of the NACC's Political Sector Assets Examination Office.

Thawatchai said if Charupong failed to meet the deadline, the NACC would consider whether his act was intentional. If it was deemed intentional, the NACC will bring his case to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

If found guilty, Charupong could risk a ban of five years from politics, a maximum jail term of six months, or a fine of up to Bt10,000, according to the official.

The NACC yesterday disclosed the assets and debts of former members of Yingluck Shinawatra's cabinet, who left office after the coup on May 22 last year.

As of yesterday, Charupong was the only member of Yingluck's 25-strong cabinet who had failed to submit a financial statement, Thawatchai said.

Former deputy prime minister Pongthep Thepkanchana is the richest of the ex-ministers, with assets worth Bt2.93 billion, according to his filing with the NACC.

Former deputy finance minister Thanusak Lek-uthai had the least assets, worth some Bt1.43 million.

Pongthep's assets fell by Bt151 million while he served as a deputy prime minister. This was the biggest reduction among the ex-cabinet members.

Former transport minister Chatchart Sithiphan saw his assets increase Bt54 million during the same period, which was the biggest rise.

Meanwhile, 150 former senators also submitted their financial statements to the anti-graft agency.

Pilaipan Sampatisiri's assets were worth the most, at Bt1.31 billion, while Wiriya Thongphahas' assets were put at just Bt3,407 - which was the least.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Charupong-has-failed-to-report-his-assets-could-fa-30264665.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-17

[Fat Haggis]

He is in self exile, why would he give a flying <deleted> about declaring his assets?

Seems a bit pointless if he's no longer in country, he's obviously not caring about any assets left there, and has enough offshore and overseas.

Can't wait till 2020 when the current mob have to declare their asserts after leaving office

[Anthony5]

He is in self exile, why would he give a flying <deleted> about declaring his assets?

Seems a bit pointless if he's no longer in country, he's obviously not caring about any assets left there, and has enough offshore and overseas.

Can't wait till 2020 when the current mob have to declare their asserts after leaving office

What makes you think they have left by that time already?

[halloween]

How will the court case proceed if he is not there to hear the charges read?

[clockman]

Typical Thainess, unique in the world.

[scorecard]

How will the court case proceed if he is not there to hear the charges read?

Perhaps there should be changes to the law:

- No statute of limitations.

- Proceed with the changes (after proper notice and several methods of attempting to serve notice (all to completed within say 90 days), especially where the laws involved are basic to good governance, as used in most countries in the world, and which emphasize good morals and ethics on the part of politicians (and many others).

By the way,,, any news of setting up a government in exile in a collaboration with jakrapob?

Edited July 17, 2015 by scorecard

[jerojero]

And what about Generals' assets? How do generals aquire billions?

[Srikcir]

How will the court case proceed if he is not there to hear the charges read?

He will be tried in absentia.

While trial in absentia is consistent with the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, it is only under acceptable in exceptional circumstances and conditions.

When the defendent can expect to be imprisoned prior to or during the hearing or trial, his presence is no longer voluntary and his absence is forced. Therefore, a judgement against the defendent under such a scenario might be held to be in violation of the defendent's human rights under UN Charter.

Charupong has established an anti-coup group in exile. Given the aggressive nature of the Junta to reign in all opposition to its subjugation of the Thai people, he can reasonably expect arrest and imprisonment should he appear before the NACC to defend himself. As a resolution, the Junta could grant him temporary immunity to appear for the hearing and allow him to leave the country. But that's not a reasonable expectation from the Junta.

The reality may be that Charupong will be more than willing to concede the fine.

[MZurf]

And what about Generals' assets? How do generals aquire billions?

Exactly. You can't even begin to tackle the problem of corruption unless you start at the very top.

[halloween]

How will the court case proceed if he is not there to hear the charges read?

He will be tried in absentia.

While trial in absentia is consistent with the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, it is only under acceptable in exceptional circumstances and conditions.

When the defendent can expect to be imprisoned prior to or during the hearing or trial, his presence is no longer voluntary and his absence is forced. Therefore, a judgement against the defendent under such a scenario might be held to be in violation of the defendent's human rights under UN Charter.

Charupong has established an anti-coup group in exile. Given the aggressive nature of the Junta to reign in all opposition to its subjugation of the Thai people, he can reasonably expect arrest and imprisonment should he appear before the NACC to defend himself. As a resolution, the Junta could grant him temporary immunity to appear for the hearing and allow him to leave the country. But that's not a reasonable expectation from the Junta.

The reality may be that Charupong will be more than willing to concede the fine.

Total BS.

Thaksin, for one, has multiple charges much more serious than this pending. They cannot proceed because under Thai law the accused must be present to hear the charges against him.

[Baerboxer]

He is in self exile, why would he give a flying <deleted> about declaring his assets?

Seems a bit pointless if he's no longer in country, he's obviously not caring about any assets left there, and has enough offshore and overseas.

Can't wait till 2020 when the current mob have to declare their asserts after leaving office

I'm sure he's going to be worried about this - not. Probably won't bother filing annual tax returns either

What is interesting is that with all the new and ever increasing bank rules and paranoia regarding sources of wealth, and various Western governments stoking this all up, for their own motives, would be to know where he's got all this salted away and how he gets access.

25 years ago many Thai clients I knew had bank accounts and assets in the US. Wonder where the current favorite is - Montenegro, British Virgin Islands or do they still use HK and SG?

[elgordo38]

He is in self exile, why would he give a flying <deleted> about declaring his assets?

Seems a bit pointless if he's no longer in country, he's obviously not caring about any assets left there, and has enough offshore and overseas.

Can't wait till 2020 when the current mob have to declare their asserts after leaving office

Boy that sure gives them a lot of time to squirrel them away somewhere maybe abroad in case they have to make a fast exit.

[exbikey]

How will the court case proceed if he is not there to hear the charges read?

He will be tried in absentia.

While trial in absentia is consistent with the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, it is only under acceptable in exceptional circumstances and conditions.

When the defendent can expect to be imprisoned prior to or during the hearing or trial, his presence is no longer voluntary and his absence is forced. Therefore, a judgement against the defendent under such a scenario might be held to be in violation of the defendent's human rights under UN Charter.

Charupong has established an anti-coup group in exile. Given the aggressive nature of the Junta to reign in all opposition to its subjugation of the Thai people, he can reasonably expect arrest and imprisonment should he appear before the NACC to defend himself. As a resolution, the Junta could grant him temporary immunity to appear for the hearing and allow him to leave the country. But that's not a reasonable expectation from the Junta.

The reality may be that Charupong will be more than willing to concede the fine.

Total BS.

Thaksin, for one, has multiple charges much more serious than this pending. They cannot proceed because under Thai law the accused must be present to hear the charges against him.

Why not read out the charges to K. Thaksin via Skype? I'm told Mr.T likes using Skype.

[Nobb]

No brainer because the longer he does not report assets the longer he stays out of jail!

[Alwyn]

Has the General reported his assets yet?

[slapout]

If a individual owes monet to a loan shark, /creditot he is asked to keep up intrest payments on a weekly/monthly basis. of co0urse the intrest charge of 100% per fortnoght eats [ntp the principal quite qickly.

If they dont make the payments in a timely manner their paper/debt holders send old cousin festus with his henchmen to collect and promise a return engagement if another payment is late.

The moneys involved here would hire enough collection agents festus types to scare the crap out of any half smart a.. and the promise of what will happen to immediate family, no matter location nor the dipsh.is who convienced you they are the meanest of the etire lot of those avaliable and you and everyone involved is safe.

there is no truley safe place on this planet when you screw those with wealth close, equal or exceeding yours its only when someone decides to drop the hammer, especially when they take out a son, goodson favioret daughter etc.first thaqt you come to realize that no supreme power is looking out for you and you are in a tight hole with no physical means to back out.

Edited July 18, 2015 by slapout

[bheard]

Jeez, big numbers there. It's obviously the case that in Thailan, politics and business is one and the same .

[halloween]

Jeez, big numbers there. It's obviously the case that in Thailan, politics and business is one and the same .

But you have to admit that PTP cabinet ministers aren't "elite" like Democrat supporters, just your common garden multi-millionaires.

[scorecard]

How will the court case proceed if he is not there to hear the charges read?

He will be tried in absentia.

While trial in absentia is consistent with the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, it is only under acceptable in exceptional circumstances and conditions.

When the defendent can expect to be imprisoned prior to or during the hearing or trial, his presence is no longer voluntary and his absence is forced. Therefore, a judgement against the defendent under such a scenario might be held to be in violation of the defendent's human rights under UN Charter.

Charupong has established an anti-coup group in exile. Given the aggressive nature of the Junta to reign in all opposition to its subjugation of the Thai people, he can reasonably expect arrest and imprisonment should he appear before the NACC to defend himself. As a resolution, the Junta could grant him temporary immunity to appear for the hearing and allow him to leave the country. But that's not a reasonable expectation from the Junta.

The reality may be that Charupong will be more than willing to concede the fine.

1. "Charupong has established an anti-coup group in exile. Given the aggressive nature of the Junta to reign in all opposition to its subjugation of the Thai people, he can reasonably expect arrest and imprisonment should he appear before the NACC to defend himself."

Yep, a nice statement of the obvious. Nothing more than would b expected. Move along...

2. ... "As a resolution, the Junta could grant him temporary immunity to appear for the hearing and allow him to leave the country. But that's not a reasonable expectation from the Junta." Resolution! No need for such a resolution, just follow the law.

3. ... " The reality may be that Charupong will be more than willing to concede the fine." Interesting comment.

No doubt he would be quite happy to just pay the fine. Well that depends on whether he has any money in Thailand - there would be little doubt that somebody in the pt / udd movement had been advising their scaly corrupt / dishonest / nor morals members to move their funds offshore so that any Thai future government can't touch their funds, and advising them how to move the funds offshore.

The general public knows the standard banking arrangements to do this. It's a no brainer there are other, non-bank, methods. This must be true where large amounts of money are moved using processes which avoid notice or scrutiny in regard to money laundering.

4. Charupong (and his family) are awaiting legal processes on several fronts. no doubt he would avoid returning to Thailand at all costs. even if it meant he hd to pay a fine here and there, depending, as already mentioned, does he have in money in Thailand.

5. "Charupong has established an anti-coup group in exile." Please share, no doubt you would be more than willing to trumpet their activities.

Edited July 18, 2015 by scorecard

[off road pat]

Typical Thainess, unique in the world.

Some African country's or Indonesia are not to bad in this to....there could be serious competition for the first place...of corrupt country's!

[off road pat]

And what about Generals' assets? How do generals aquire billions?

The same way politicians do,....!!! all over the world....!! Thailand is no exception...

Edited July 18, 2015 by off road pat

[off road pat]

He is in self exile, why would he give a flying <deleted> about declaring his assets?

Seems a bit pointless if he's no longer in country, he's obviously not caring about any assets left there, and has enough offshore and overseas.

Can't wait till 2020 when the current mob have to declare their asserts after leaving office

Boy that sure gives them a lot of time to squirrel them away somewhere maybe abroad in case they have to make a fast exit.

Already done....,.....with the uncertainty in a political future one of the first things they do is send money abroad.... and they continue to fill up the bank account on the way....

[billd766]

No brainer because the longer he does not report assets the longer he stays out of jail!

And the longer he stays out of Thailand.

It is OK if he is never coming back and the only way he may be safe is with a Thaksin sponsored government such as the PTP.

That is looking less likely too as the months roll on.