Thaksin Accused By Assets Examination Committee On Deals

[sriracha john]

AEC finds more graft in housing project

The Assets Examination Committee will on Tuesday decide whether to let its probe panel dig into a new discovery of 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes paid by contractors in the government's Ua Athorn affordable-housing project.

"About 15 contractors are suspected of paying bribes similar to the Pastiya case," panel chairman Kaewsan Atibhodi said, in reference to the Thai-Malaysian joint-venture builder.

Kaewsan said he was ready to expand his investigation to gather evidence beyond the Pastiya case, which is at the indictment stage.

The joint venture was accused of paying 470 Million Baht to win the job to build 7,500 units.

The tea money was allegedly stashed in individual accounts linked to a rice-trading firm seen as close to former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook.

- The Nation

Update... he's indicted.....

Watana Muangsook

UA ATHORN

AEC indicts ex-minister for bribery

Evidence shows Watana and others received kickbacks

The Assets Examination Committee yesterday indicted eight individuals for corruption relating to 1.2 Billion Baht in kickbacks over construction of the Ua Athorn housing project.

They included former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook, his aide Mana Wongpipat, and former MP Arisman Pongruangrong.

The remaining suspects are business executives allegedly involved in bribery and money laundering to secure the contract.

"Of the 15 contractors for the Ua Athorn project, eight have been linked to the 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes and evidence has clearly shown that the minister and his middlemen demanded and received kickbacks," AEC member Kaewsan Atibhodi said.

Because seven of the eight contractors are cooperating with the investigation, they will be designated as prosecution witnesses, he said. One uncooperative contractor, Thai Chen Yu International Construction Development, will be prosecuted, he added.

Authorities suspected bribes were laundered via a rice-trading firm and two other companies seen as close to Watana, while about 11 individuals would be separately investigated by the Department of Special Investigation, Kaewsan said.

In a separate indictment, the AEC charged former National Housing Authority Governor Chuanpis Chaimuenvong for abuse of power to inflate land prices for the project. Chuanpis was already named as a suspect in the bribery.

Authorities estimated that inflated prices had caused 200 Million Baht in damage to the state.

The investigation into the project is expected to be complete within the next three months.

In a related probe, the AEC-appointed panel has issued a summons for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to rebut charges relating to his abuse of power to benefit himself and his associates. The 15-day deadline for Thaksin's defence will expire next Friday.

The AEC is mulling whether to expand its probes to cover three new cases linked to the Thaksin government. The cases involve a contractual revision by TOT to reduce a revenue-sharing scheme with AIS for prepaid mobile-phone services, a concession amendment by TOT favouring AIS on interconnection charges and an arbitrary decision by the Information and Communications Technology Ministry to launch the IPSTAR broadband satellite system in lieu of ThaiCom 4.

- The Nation

UPDATE

NACC, public prosecutors agree to file charges against Watana

A joint committee of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and public prosecutors agreed Wednesday to file corruption charges against former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muang-suk.

NACC Spokesman Klanarong Chanthik said the joint committee agreed to sue Watana in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on charges that he had demanded kickbacks from bidders of the Ua Arthorn housing projects for the low-income people.

Initially, the Attorney-General sent back the case to the NACC on ground that it did not have enough information.

The NACC set up a joint panel with 10 prosecutors to reconsider the case and the committee agreed Wednesday to arraign Watana in the Supreme Court.

- The Nation / 2009-03-18

[sriracha john]

The "unprecedented" corruption of the Thaksin regime begins to unravel...

[sriracha john]

NACC seeks indictment against Wattana

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 18/03/2009 at 04:18 PM

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved to seek an indictment against former Social Development and Human Security Minister Wattana Muangsuk for his involvement in alleged corruption in the Baan Ua-arthorn low-cost housing projects during the administration of fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The anti-corruption body will forward the housing case to the Office of the Attorney-General for charges to be filed with the Supreme Court's Criminal Section for Holders of Political Positions, NACC member Klanarong Chanthik said Wednesday.

The former minister was accused of demanding for bribes from private business operators involving in the 8.9-billion-baht housing project.

Mr Klanarong said the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) earlier forwarded the case to the Office of the Attorney-General, but the information gathered was deemed insufficient.

[sriracha john]

Former Social Development and Human Security Minister in the Thaksin Cabinet Watana Muangsuk (right)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anti-graft Panel Forwards Conclusion on Housing Project Scandal Case to Prosecutor

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has forwarded a case against a former Social Development and Human Security minister to the Attorney-General's Office, recommending that a complaint be filed with the Supreme Court.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission, or NACC, has recommended that charges be filed against former Social Development and Human Security Minister Wattana Muangsuk to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Post Holders.

Wattana is accused of asking contractors for bribes in exchange for work on a state-subsidized housing project.

Previously, the now-defunct Assets Examination Committee, which had been appointed by the military government in the wake of the 2006 coup, had investigated the allegations before being dissolved.

- TOC / 2009-03-18

Edited March 18, 2009 by sriracha john

[animatic]

I foresee a lot of 'Other Shoes' dropping this year.

[sriracha john]

OAG, NACC tighten their grip on Watana

A joint panel set up by the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) and the National AntiCorruption Commission (NACC) has a strong case against former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook, who allegedly demanded kickbacks from private firms involved in the National Housing Authority's low-cost housing projects.

Established by the Council for National Security, the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) was the first to look into Watana's alleged corrupt behaviour, and asked the OAG to prosecute him.

When AEC's term ended, the case was passed on to the NACC.

However, finding the case incomplete, the OAG had 10 of its members work alongside with NACC staff to make the case stronger.

"The panel has completed the report, and has more evidence to support the allegations," NACC spokesman Klanarong Chanthick revealed yesterday.

According to him, the report has been forwarded to the Attorney-General before it goes on to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

- The Nation / 2009-03-19

[Journalist]

At what point do the amounts involved come to light? Is it during the trial. Seldom seems to be in the newspaper reports. I think that ennumerating the sums brings home to people the gravity of the offence and the greed of those involved.

[sriracha john]

At what point do the amounts involved come to light? Is it during the trial. Seldom seems to be in the newspaper reports. I think that ennumerating the sums brings home to people the gravity of the offence and the greed of those involved.

Here you go...

a new discovery of 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes paid by contractors in the government's Ua Athorn affordable-housing project.

The tea money was allegedly stashed in individual accounts linked to a rice-trading firm seen as close to former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook.

The Assets Examination Committee yesterday indicted eight individuals for corruption relating to 1.2 Billion Baht in kickbacks over construction of the Ua Athorn housing project.

They included former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook, his aide Mana Wongpipat, and former MP Arisman Pongruangrong.

"Of the 15 contractors for the Ua Athorn project, eight have been linked to the 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes and evidence has clearly shown that the minister and his middlemen demanded and received kickbacks," AEC member Kaewsan Atibhodi said.

[sriracha john]

The Government is currently collecting evidence of cases involving Thaksin which have not yet been investigated by the Office of the National Counter Corruption Commission, including the case of Thaksin’s alleged connection with the Cayman Islands, a place well-known for money laundering activities.

- ThaiNews / 2009-04-04

[jbowman1993]

At what point do the amounts involved come to light? Is it during the trial. Seldom seems to be in the newspaper reports. I think that ennumerating the sums brings home to people the gravity of the offence and the greed of those involved.

Here you go...

a new discovery of 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes paid by contractors in the government's Ua Athorn affordable-housing project.

The tea money was allegedly stashed in individual accounts linked to a rice-trading firm seen as close to former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook.

The Assets Examination Committee yesterday indicted eight individuals for corruption relating to 1.2 Billion Baht in kickbacks over construction of the Ua Athorn housing project.

They included former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook, his aide Mana Wongpipat, and former MP Arisman Pongruangrong.

"Of the 15 contractors for the Ua Athorn project, eight have been linked to the 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes and evidence has clearly shown that the minister and his middlemen demanded and received kickbacks," AEC member Kaewsan Atibhodi said.

Those amounts can't be right SJ, because Wattana was the minister under Thaksin, and we know that St. Thaksin and his ilk...i mean associates, never did anything except help the poor and disenfranchised.

[ovenman]

Those amounts can't be right SJ, because Wattana was the minister under Thaksin, and we know that St. Thaksin and his ilk...i mean associates, never did anything except help the poor and disenfranchised.

In fact, it's been said that Thaksin is the only one who has ever done anything to help the poor and disenfranchised.

[sriracha john]

PROBE INTO CAYMAN ISLANDS CASH CLAIMS

Abhisit set to increase the pressure on Thaksin

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has turned up the heat on Thaksin Shinawatra by ordering law enforcement authorities to find out whether the ex-premier has made any transactions in the Cayman Islands.

The findings would be useful for other corruption cases against Thaksin, who is thought to be directing protests by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) from a secret place overseas.

The move came after Privy Councillor Pichitr Kullavanijaya on Friday dropped a bombshell on Thaksin.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1456...sure-on-thaksin

[LevelHead]

Just remind me please.

The AEC was appointed by the generals of the coup who hated Thaksin and kicked him out.

Its made up of people who hate Thaksin.

It is a non legal entity under the previous constitution, but that constitution was thrown in the bin by an illegal coup.

The coup leaders were granted immunity under the new constituion their people wrote.

So.........the AEC was set up by the people who kicked Thaksin out.

Yes, sounds very obvious really.

[animatic]

Just remind me please.

The AEC was appointed by the generals of the coup who hated Thaksin and kicked him out.

Its made up of people who hate Thaksin.

It is a non legal entity under the previous constitution, but that constitution was thrown in the bin by an illegal coup.

The coup leaders were granted immunity under the new constituion their people wrote.

So.........the AEC was set up by the people who kicked Thaksin out.

Yes, sounds very obvious really.

Since Thaksin had so stiffled the check and balances

this was the first opportunity to actually investigate his shenanagans.

All AEC findings were THEN passed onto constitutionally valid entities.

And you can say all you want the 'hate' Thaksin.

But moderate dislike and complete distrust would be just as valid reasons to investigate his corruption.

All the AEC was, was an investigative body.

It's findings were not acted on BY the AEC, but passed forward into the legal system.

If those findings didn't pass legal muster then they would not, and in a few cases did NOT, continue,

but a large percentage did and are continuing through the legal process.

The origin of the AEC's creation doesn't let Thaksin off the hook for

actions he committed prior to it's inception and/or demise.

Your dog don't hunt, no matter how flat his head.

Edited April 5, 2009 by animatic

[jbowman1993]

Just remind me please.

The AEC was appointed by the generals of the coup who hated Thaksin and kicked him out.

Its made up of people who hate Thaksin.

It is a non legal entity under the previous constitution, but that constitution was thrown in the bin by an illegal coup.

The coup leaders were granted immunity under the new constituion their people wrote.

So.........the AEC was set up by the people who kicked Thaksin out.

Yes, sounds very obvious really.

Since Thaksin had so stiffled the check and balances

this was the first opportunity to actually investigate his shenanagans.

All AEC findings were THEN passed onto constitutionally valid entities.

And you can say all you want the 'hate' Thaksin.

But moderate dislike and complete distrust would be just as valid reasons to investigate his corruption.

All the AEC was, was an investigative body.

It's findings were not acted on BY the AEC, but passed forward into the legal system.

If those findings didn't pass legal muster then they would not, and in a few cases did NOT, continue,

but a large percentage did and are continuing through the legal process.

The origin of the AEC's creation doesn't let Thaksin off the hook for

actions he committed prior to it's inception and/or demise.

Your dog don't hunt, no matter how flat his head.

Yeah!

[Samuian]

Just remind me please.

The AEC was appointed by the generals of the coup who hated Thaksin and kicked him out.

Its made up of people who hate Thaksin.

It is a non legal entity under the previous constitution, but that constitution was thrown in the bin by an illegal coup.

The coup leaders were granted immunity under the new constituion their people wrote.

So.........the AEC was set up by the people who kicked Thaksin out.

Yes, sounds very obvious really.

Since Thaksin had so stiffled the check and balances

this was the first opportunity to actually investigate his shenanagans.

All AEC findings were THEN passed onto constitutionally valid entities.

And you can say all you want the 'hate' Thaksin.

But moderate dislike and complete distrust would be just as valid reasons to investigate his corruption.

All the AEC was, was an investigative body.

It's findings were not acted on BY the AEC, but passed forward into the legal system.

If those findings didn't pass legal muster then they would not, and in a few cases did NOT, continue,

but a large percentage did and are continuing through the legal process.

The origin of the AEC's creation doesn't let Thaksin off the hook for

actions he committed prior to it's inception and/or demise.

Your dog don't hunt, no matter how flat his head.

One may take the other cases (his honest mistakes) he didn't get off the hook really clean,

there is the answer, like the writing on the wall, shining bright and clear!

Has his Sister inherited her Nickname "Ms.30% - cash in hand" also from people who "hate" her?

There was a another Lady (Sudarat Keyuraphan, deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai party,

Public Health Minister) in his Cabinet her Nickname was "Ms.20%"

How about the Cake-box-Gate wich did send 3 of his lawyers/aides to jail?

How come that even Stratfor and many other international observers consider his time as a prime minister,

the most corrupt political times Thailand has (yet) ever gone through?

and, and, and...so how about: "if there is smoke, there is fire"?

"it's all a conspiracy of people who hate Thaksin!" comes a bit cheap and very weak for his defence!

Cause it heavily lacks substance and hard convincing evicdence!

[sriracha john]

AEC finds more graft in housing project

The Assets Examination Committee will on Tuesday decide whether to let its probe panel dig into a new discovery of 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes paid by contractors in the government's Ua Athorn affordable-housing project.

The tea money was allegedly stashed in individual accounts linked to a rice-trading firm seen as close to former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook.

Update... he's indicted.....

Watana Muangsook

UA ATHORN

AEC indicts ex-minister for bribery

Evidence shows Watana and others received kickbacks

The Assets Examination Committee yesterday indicted eight individuals for corruption relating to 1.2 Billion Baht in kickbacks over construction of the Ua Athorn housing project.

They included former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook, his aide Mana Wongpipat, and former MP Arisman Pongruangrong.

"Of the 15 contractors for the Ua Athorn project, eight have been linked to the 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes and evidence has clearly shown that the minister and his middlemen demanded and received kickbacks," AEC member Kaewsan Atibhodi said.

UPDATE

NACC, public prosecutors agree to file charges against Watana

A joint committee of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and public prosecutors agreed Wednesday to file corruption charges against former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muang-suk.

NACC Spokesman Klanarong Chanthik said the joint committee agreed to sue Watana in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on charges that he had demanded kickbacks from bidders of the Ua Arthorn housing projects for the low-income people.

Housing for poor project in dire straits

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has ordered a revamp of the National Housing Authority's Ua-arthorn low-cost housing project which is running at a loss of more than 10 Billion Baht.

Mr Abhisit said the Cabinet yesterday agreed to appoint an ad hoc panel headed by Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul to map out a plan to turn around the loss-ridden project.

The panel will be supported by representatives from the Finance Ministry, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the Budget Bureau, and the National Economic and Social Development Board.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-04-29