Graft buster to propose impeachment of Pheu Thai’s Chiang Mai MP for unusual wealth

[rooster59]

Graft buster to propose impeachment of Pheu Thai’s Chiang Mai MP for unusual wealth

BANGKOK: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is asking the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders to impeach a former Chiang Mai MP of the Pheu Thai party for false declaration of his assets after intensive probe showed he is unusually rich.

NACC secretary-general Sansern Polajiak said the former MP Kasem Nimmolrat, now vice president of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation, failed to declare his spouse’s 72 million baht cash borrowed from his mother, 26 million baht in cash derived from selling shares in the stock market, and 74 million baht investment of his spouse in a construction firm but held under his mother’s name.

In this regard, he said the NACC is going to ask the Supreme Court to impeach him and remove him from the provincial administrative position, and to ban him in political activities for five years under the anti corruption law.

In addition, the NACC also checked into his statement of financial position under his status as advisor to the provincial administrative organisation, and as MP, and found that his wealth rise by 186 million baht.

The NACC then reached a resolution that he is unusually rich.

He said in this case, the NACC agreed to submit all its finding and evidence to the attorney-general to prosecute him in the Supreme Court to have the increased wealth seized.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/163342

-- Thai PBS 2016-05-15

[ratcatcher]

Quite honestly most of the important people in power (and out of) are all unusually rich. So, where's this going from here?

[Squeegee]

Unusual amounts of (our by divine right) wealth.

[waitforusalso]

" Thailand’s military leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has refused to elaborate on the 600 million baht land sale he made to a private company (registered in British Virgin Islands) last year." Chiang Mai Times

[mtls2005]

Past Juntas have used the "unusual wealth" tag to purge undesirable politician and political opponents.

It was quite a popular technique circa 1991.

Funny how they keep using the same old techniques. But then, they've worked before so why not.

On 23 February 1991, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sunthorn Kongsompong, and the generals of the Chulalongkorn Military Academy class 5, Suchinda Kraprayoon, Issarapong Noonpakdi, and Kaset Rojananil, formed the National Peace Keeping Council to depose Chatichai's government in a coup d'état. They accused the elected government of massive corruption and abuse of power for its own advantage. They charged several cabinet members, including Chatichai, with "unusual wealth". At the same time, they acted in the interest of the traditional elite of the bureaucracy, military and Bangkokian business circles, whose influence the Chatichai government had sought to curtail. The coup group called the form of governance under Chatichai "parliamentary dictatorship". and alleged a moral decline.

The more things change...

[heybruce]

I'm still waiting for investigations of police chiefs, civil servants, and military officers with unusual wealth. If all they go after are politicians, then they are protecting entrenched corruption, not eliminating it.

[Reigntax]

Nothing unusual in Thailand about being unusually wealthy as this could apply to most current self appointed politicians and past elected.

You just need to make sure you are a supporter of the current rulers when they find out and then there no problems.

[heybruce]

Past Juntas have used the "unusual wealth" tag to purge undesirable politician and political opponents.

It was quite a popular technique circa 1991.

Funny how they keep using the same old techniques. But then, they've worked before so why not.

On 23 February 1991, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sunthorn Kongsompong, and the generals of the Chulalongkorn Military Academy class 5, Suchinda Kraprayoon, Issarapong Noonpakdi, and Kaset Rojananil, formed the National Peace Keeping Council to depose Chatichai's government in a coup d'état. They accused the elected government of massive corruption and abuse of power for its own advantage. They charged several cabinet members, including Chatichai, with "unusual wealth". At the same time, they acted in the interest of the traditional elite of the bureaucracy, military and Bangkokian business circles, whose influence the Chatichai government had sought to curtail. The coup group called the form of governance under Chatichai "parliamentary dictatorship". and alleged a moral decline.

The more things change...

From Wikipedia:

"General Sunthorn Kongsompong (1931–1999) was the de facto head of government of Thailand from 1991 - 1992....Following his death due to cancer, a scandal arose over the distribution of his estate. He decided to leave most of his fortune of approximately US$ 150 million to his mistress. His wife sued to have the decision declared void. However, questions arose on how a general earning a little over US$1,000 a month could accumulate such a large personal fortune."

[waitforusalso]

I'm still waiting for investigations of police chiefs, civil servants, and military officers with unusual wealth. If all they go after are politicians, then they are protecting entrenched corruption, not eliminating it.

Not all politicians, just their opponents!

Reconciliation? Smiley has just vomited.

[NongKhaiKid]

Quite honestly most of the important people in power (and out of) are all unusually rich. So, where's this going from here?

I would use the word amnesty but it's a dirty one just now so let's just say the word from on high was ' hands off ' when it comes to certain people.

Hypocrisy, of course not. We are in charge and make the rules, well two sets of them.

[smedly]

Quite honestly most of the important people in power (and out of) are all unusually rich. So, where's this going from here?

it will take a long time to go where it needs to go that is for sure

[smedly]

I'm still waiting for investigations of police chiefs, civil servants, and military officers with unusual wealth. If all they go after are politicians, then they are protecting entrenched corruption, not eliminating it.

For the first time ever I actually agree with you

[iReason]

Please investigate these cases of unusual wealth Mr. Graft Buster:

"According to the NACC, the wealthiest minister in the cabinet is Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula with a net worth of B1.38 billion and no debt."

"Gen Prawit has declared a net worth of B87.37 million baht and no debt.

Compared with assets worth 79 million baht he declared after vacating office as defence minister in the Abhisit government in August 2012, Gen Prawit is about 8 million baht richer."

"National police chief Somyot Pumpunmuang and his wife have assets totalling B246.4 million and B128.2 million respectively. Their net worth after debts of B18.8 million is B355.8 million."

http://www.thephuketnews.com/pm-prayuth-can-justify-personal-wealth-49445.php

[marcusd]

Past Juntas have used the "unusual wealth" tag to purge undesirable politician and political opponents.

It was quite a popular technique circa 1991.

Funny how they keep using the same old techniques. But then, they've worked before so why not.

On 23 February 1991, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sunthorn Kongsompong, and the generals of the Chulalongkorn Military Academy class 5, Suchinda Kraprayoon, Issarapong Noonpakdi, and Kaset Rojananil, formed the National Peace Keeping Council to depose Chatichai's government in a coup d'état. They accused the elected government of massive corruption and abuse of power for its own advantage. They charged several cabinet members, including Chatichai, with "unusual wealth". At the same time, they acted in the interest of the traditional elite of the bureaucracy, military and Bangkokian business circles, whose influence the Chatichai government had sought to curtail. The coup group called the form of governance under Chatichai "parliamentary dictatorship". and alleged a moral decline.

The more things change...

Ok for the Bangkokians and usual military to HOLD all the wealth but no one else.

Kill or be killed

[marcusd]

Past Juntas have used the "unusual wealth" tag to purge undesirable politician and political opponents.

It was quite a popular technique circa 1991.

Funny how they keep using the same old techniques. But then, they've worked before so why not.

On 23 February 1991, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sunthorn Kongsompong, and the generals of the Chulalongkorn Military Academy class 5, Suchinda Kraprayoon, Issarapong Noonpakdi, and Kaset Rojananil, formed the National Peace Keeping Council to depose Chatichai's government in a coup d'état. They accused the elected government of massive corruption and abuse of power for its own advantage. They charged several cabinet members, including Chatichai, with "unusual wealth". At the same time, they acted in the interest of the traditional elite of the bureaucracy, military and Bangkokian business circles, whose influence the Chatichai government had sought to curtail. The coup group called the form of governance under Chatichai "parliamentary dictatorship". and alleged a moral decline.

The more things change...

From Wikipedia:

"General Sunthorn Kongsompong (1931–1999) was the de facto head of government of Thailand from 1991 - 1992....Following his death due to cancer, a scandal arose over the distribution of his estate. He decided to leave most of his fortune of approximately US$ 150 million to his mistress. His wife sued to have the decision declared void. However, questions arose on how a general earning a little over US$1,000 a month could accumulate such a large personal fortune."

General Prayuth. You state you want to make Thailand fair and back to THAI values.

Is $150million fair value?

HOW can anyone is any country ever trust you or Thailand?

No wonder your country is going backwards.

Why not make this a TRUE country of love peace and happiness as you say you want?

[scorecard]

Past Juntas have used the "unusual wealth" tag to purge undesirable politician and political opponents.

It was quite a popular technique circa 1991.

Funny how they keep using the same old techniques. But then, they've worked before so why not.

On 23 February 1991, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sunthorn Kongsompong, and the generals of the Chulalongkorn Military Academy class 5, Suchinda Kraprayoon, Issarapong Noonpakdi, and Kaset Rojananil, formed the National Peace Keeping Council to depose Chatichai's government in a coup d'état. They accused the elected government of massive corruption and abuse of power for its own advantage. They charged several cabinet members, including Chatichai, with "unusual wealth". At the same time, they acted in the interest of the traditional elite of the bureaucracy, military and Bangkokian business circles, whose influence the Chatichai government had sought to curtail. The coup group called the form of governance under Chatichai "parliamentary dictatorship". and alleged a moral decline.

The more things change...

From Wikipedia:

"General Sunthorn Kongsompong (1931–1999) was the de facto head of government of Thailand from 1991 - 1992....Following his death due to cancer, a scandal arose over the distribution of his estate. He decided to leave most of his fortune of approximately US$ 150 million to his mistress. His wife sued to have the decision declared void. However, questions arose on how a general earning a little over US$1,000 a month could accumulate such a large personal fortune."

This is the nasty and ruthless general who:

1). Was a leader in ordering troops to shoot down some 200 civilian unarmed protesters on the streets of Bangkok.

2). Handed the paymaster (only the paymaster) a private telecoms license, with no bids, and at a time when it was solid policy that all telecoms licenses must be held by state owned telecoms organizations.

2.a). The paymaster went on to operate a monopoly (ultimately AIS) and impose outrageous service charges and outrageous call fees etc., and

became a US$ billionaire.

[MZurf]

Past Juntas have used the "unusual wealth" tag to purge undesirable politician and political opponents.

It was quite a popular technique circa 1991.

Funny how they keep using the same old techniques. But then, they've worked before so why not.

On 23 February 1991, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sunthorn Kongsompong, and the generals of the Chulalongkorn Military Academy class 5, Suchinda Kraprayoon, Issarapong Noonpakdi, and Kaset Rojananil, formed the National Peace Keeping Council to depose Chatichai's government in a coup d'état. They accused the elected government of massive corruption and abuse of power for its own advantage. They charged several cabinet members, including Chatichai, with "unusual wealth". At the same time, they acted in the interest of the traditional elite of the bureaucracy, military and Bangkokian business circles, whose influence the Chatichai government had sought to curtail. The coup group called the form of governance under Chatichai "parliamentary dictatorship". and alleged a moral decline.

The more things change...

From Wikipedia:

"General Sunthorn Kongsompong (1931–1999) was the de facto head of government of Thailand from 1991 - 1992....Following his death due to cancer, a scandal arose over the distribution of his estate. He decided to leave most of his fortune of approximately US$ 150 million to his mistress. His wife sued to have the decision declared void. However, questions arose on how a general earning a little over US$1,000 a month could accumulate such a large personal fortune."

This is the nasty and ruthless general who:

1). Was a leader in ordering troops to shoot down some 200 civilian unarmed protesters on the streets of Bangkok.

2). Handed the paymaster (only the paymaster) a private telecoms license, with no bids, and at a time when it was solid policy that all telecoms licenses must be held by state owned telecoms organizations.

2.a). The paymaster went on to operate a monopoly (ultimately AIS) and impose outrageous service charges and outrageous call fees etc., and

became a US$ billionaire.

Yes, and?

[Broken Record]

It's just politics, the good General may find himself under investigation when or rather if he goes, when the real power base of the country doesn't need his protection anymore he's toast and he knows it, no wonder he scrambled around appointing family members and loyalists in positions of power.

All the while he and his ilk control the guns, the ultra rich at the top of the ladder need him to protect them and their way of life, he and his ilk are rewarded with the chance of rampant corruption with nobody to answer to, they can literally get away with murder, as long as they form an armed barrier between the Millions who have nothing, and the very few that have it all, protest against the blatant judicial inequalities in Thai society ( Banned), protest against a policeman worth a nearly a Billion Baht (Banned), unless he pisses off the wrong guy at the very top of course, protest against an illegal government ( Banned), protest against attitude adjustment will be met with attitude adjustment, the Generals in Thailand both Military and Police are rotten to the core, everybody knows it, so they create laws to stop criticism, they are corrupt in a spectacularly open way, but the general population are stopped by law from criticizing.

Thai people are scared of The Police and The Army, with good reason, those institutions are there to serve themselves and the ultra rich and privileged, they keep the rich people rich and in their place and the poor people are dealt with with an iron fist from guys with guns and uniforms, the rewards they get from turning against their own countrymen are blatantly obvious, Thai kids are Brainwashed from Birth to keep them compliant, easy to manipulate and s.hite scared of anyone who may be connected.

Poor kids are taught nothing at school, their education is little more than useless, that paves the way for the next lot of Army recruits who will see the Army as the only opportunity of a steady income, and join up, equals the next lot of armed guards for the rich and powerful.

It's a rotten lifestyle for millions of ordinary people in Thailand and a fabulous lifestyle for a few, no wonder they seek protection by armed men in uniform, but they have to give something........hence the unbelievably corrupt and wealthy guys in charge of all those guns.

[sjaak327]

I wonder when the anti corruption <deleted> become aware that selective enforcement of their duties cast a big doubt on them ?

Several NLA members, members of the NCPO are unusually rich, and since they are still in office, one would think impeaching them would make much more sense....

[Winniedapu]

It's just politics, the good General may find himself under investigation when or rather if he goes, when the real power base of the country doesn't need his protection anymore he's toast and he knows it, no wonder he scrambled around appointing family members and loyalists in positions of power.

All the while he and his ilk control the guns, the ultra rich at the top of the ladder need him to protect them and their way of life, he and his ilk are rewarded with the chance of rampant corruption with nobody to answer to, they can literally get away with murder, as long as they form an armed barrier between the Millions who have nothing, and the very few that have it all, protest against the blatant judicial inequalities in Thai society ( Banned), protest against a policeman worth a nearly a Billion Baht (Banned), unless he pisses off the wrong guy at the very top of course, protest against an illegal government ( Banned), protest against attitude adjustment will be met with attitude adjustment, the Generals in Thailand both Military and Police are rotten to the core, everybody knows it, so they create laws to stop criticism, they are corrupt in a spectacularly open way, but the general population are stopped by law from criticizing.

Thai people are scared of The Police and The Army, with good reason, those institutions are there to serve themselves and the ultra rich and privileged, they keep the rich people rich and in their place and the poor people are dealt with with an iron fist from guys with guns and uniforms, the rewards they get from turning against their own countrymen are blatantly obvious, Thai kids are Brainwashed from Birth to keep them compliant, easy to manipulate and s.hite scared of anyone who may be connected.

Poor kids are taught nothing at school, their education is little more than useless, that paves the way for the next lot of Army recruits who will see the Army as the only opportunity of a steady income, and join up, equals the next lot of armed guards for the rich and powerful.

It's a rotten lifestyle for millions of ordinary people in Thailand and a fabulous lifestyle for a few, no wonder they seek protection by armed men in uniform, but they have to give something........hence the unbelievably corrupt and wealthy guys in charge of all those guns.

Amen to that.

Winnie

[chainarong]

One thing that's been established, that quite a few in Thailand are unusually rich on their pay grade, as the saying goes , people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...................................

[chainarong]

It's just politics, the good General may find himself under investigation when or rather if he goes, when the real power base of the country doesn't need his protection anymore he's toast and he knows it, no wonder he scrambled around appointing family members and loyalists in positions of power.

All the while he and his ilk control the guns, the ultra rich at the top of the ladder need him to protect them and their way of life, he and his ilk are rewarded with the chance of rampant corruption with nobody to answer to, they can literally get away with murder, as long as they form an armed barrier between the Millions who have nothing, and the very few that have it all, protest against the blatant judicial inequalities in Thai society ( Banned), protest against a policeman worth a nearly a Billion Baht (Banned), unless he pisses off the wrong guy at the very top of course, protest against an illegal government ( Banned), protest against attitude adjustment will be met with attitude adjustment, the Generals in Thailand both Military and Police are rotten to the core, everybody knows it, so they create laws to stop criticism, they are corrupt in a spectacularly open way, but the general population are stopped by law from criticizing.

Thai people are scared of The Police and The Army, with good reason, those institutions are there to serve themselves and the ultra rich and privileged, they keep the rich people rich and in their place and the poor people are dealt with with an iron fist from guys with guns and uniforms, the rewards they get from turning against their own countrymen are blatantly obvious, Thai kids are Brainwashed from Birth to keep them compliant, easy to manipulate and s.hite scared of anyone who may be connected.

Poor kids are taught nothing at school, their education is little more than useless, that paves the way for the next lot of Army recruits who will see the Army as the only opportunity of a steady income, and join up, equals the next lot of armed guards for the rich and powerful.

It's a rotten lifestyle for millions of ordinary people in Thailand and a fabulous lifestyle for a few, no wonder they seek protection by armed men in uniform, but they have to give something........hence the unbelievably corrupt and wealthy guys in charge of all those guns.

Your sentiments are duly noted and pretty spot on , we might see in the next 2 years how scared the people of Thailand are, one section I know of are not scared.

[chainarong]

Past Juntas have used the "unusual wealth" tag to purge undesirable politician and political opponents.

It was quite a popular technique circa 1991.

Funny how they keep using the same old techniques. But then, they've worked before so why not.

On 23 February 1991, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sunthorn Kongsompong, and the generals of the Chulalongkorn Military Academy class 5, Suchinda Kraprayoon, Issarapong Noonpakdi, and Kaset Rojananil, formed the National Peace Keeping Council to depose Chatichai's government in a coup d'état. They accused the elected government of massive corruption and abuse of power for its own advantage. They charged several cabinet members, including Chatichai, with "unusual wealth". At the same time, they acted in the interest of the traditional elite of the bureaucracy, military and Bangkokian business circles, whose influence the Chatichai government had sought to curtail. The coup group called the form of governance under Chatichai "parliamentary dictatorship". and alleged a moral decline.

The more things change...

From Wikipedia:

"General Sunthorn Kongsompong (1931–1999) was the de facto head of government of Thailand from 1991 - 1992....Following his death due to cancer, a scandal arose over the distribution of his estate. He decided to leave most of his fortune of approximately US$ 150 million to his mistress. His wife sued to have the decision declared void. However, questions arose on how a general earning a little over US$1,000 a month could accumulate such a large personal fortune."

This is the nasty and ruthless general who:

1). Was a leader in ordering troops to shoot down some 200 civilian unarmed protesters on the streets of Bangkok.

2). Handed the paymaster (only the paymaster) a private telecoms license, with no bids, and at a time when it was solid policy that all telecoms licenses must be held by state owned telecoms organizations.

2.a). The paymaster went on to operate a monopoly (ultimately AIS) and impose outrageous service charges and outrageous call fees etc., and

became a US$ billionaire.

I think U maybe refer to the bastard of Bangkok.

[Cuchulainn]

Now there's a surprise. One of ai Thaksin's henchmen and puppets caught with money and assets that can't be accounted for.

[sweatalot]

" Thailand’s military leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has refused to elaborate on the 600 million baht land sale he made to a private company (registered in British Virgin Islands) last year." Chiang Mai Times

but, but, but Prayuth

if true would this be a reason not to go after that ptp guy?

[sweatalot]

Past Juntas have used the "unusual wealth" tag to purge undesirable politician and political opponents.

It was quite a popular technique circa 1991.

Funny how they keep using the same old techniques. But then, they've worked before so why not.

On 23 February 1991, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sunthorn Kongsompong, and the generals of the Chulalongkorn Military Academy class 5, Suchinda Kraprayoon, Issarapong Noonpakdi, and Kaset Rojananil, formed the National Peace Keeping Council to depose Chatichai's government in a coup d'état. They accused the elected government of massive corruption and abuse of power for its own advantage. They charged several cabinet members, including Chatichai, with "unusual wealth". At the same time, they acted in the interest of the traditional elite of the bureaucracy, military and Bangkokian business circles, whose influence the Chatichai government had sought to curtail. The coup group called the form of governance under Chatichai "parliamentary dictatorship". and alleged a moral decline.

The more things change...

From Wikipedia:

"General Sunthorn Kongsompong (1931–1999) was the de facto head of government of Thailand from 1991 - 1992....Following his death due to cancer, a scandal arose over the distribution of his estate. He decided to leave most of his fortune of approximately US$ 150 million to his mistress. His wife sued to have the decision declared void. However, questions arose on how a general earning a little over US$1,000 a month could accumulate such a large personal fortune."

This is the nasty and ruthless general who:

1). Was a leader in ordering troops to shoot down some 200 civilian unarmed protesters on the streets of Bangkok.

2). Handed the paymaster (only the paymaster) a private telecoms license, with no bids, and at a time when it was solid policy that all telecoms licenses must be held by state owned telecoms organizations.

2.a). The paymaster went on to operate a monopoly (ultimately AIS) and impose outrageous service charges and outrageous call fees etc., and

became a US$ billionaire.

Yes, and?

See where he came from and who made him wealthy

[Squeegee]

Seems like there's even some hope for Smedly in this thread.

How interesting how damaging to the junta this story is. How interesting that the topic of corruption is coming up yet again with Pheu Thai in the headline and yet the actual story is about the junta, so obviously damning that it goes right into their backstory like a knife through butter, having already taken off a number of heads on the way.

Lessons in making war on one's enemy learned on the parade ground and in official photographs: expose yourself.

If I may make a suggestion....

[jaltsc]

"...showed he is unusually rich."

A Thai government being unusually rich is as rare as a woman being "unusually" emotional.

[halloween]

Your sentiments are duly noted and pretty spot on , we might see in the next 2 years how scared the people of Thailand are, one section I know of are not scared.

I don't anyone that is scared. OTOH I don't associate with PTP criminals.

[sjaak327]

Your sentiments are duly noted and pretty spot on , we might see in the next 2 years how scared the people of Thailand are, one section I know of are not scared.

I don't anyone that is scared. OTOH I don't associate with PTP criminals.

Hmm, so PTP criminals who could be voted out of office if only the electorate was so inclined scare you. Not to mention the fact that none of these "criminals" where ever above the law.

Yet the current lot, who cannot possibly be voted out of office, and have a well documented history of corruption, power abuse and human rights abuses and are quite clearly not only above the law, they are the law, don't scare you ?

Can I have whatever it is you're smoking please ?