Assets examiners to file corruption charges against ex-PM Thaksin, two others

BANGKOK, June 28 (TNA) -- In late hour actions before its mandate expires June 30, Thailand's Assets Examination Committee (AEC) will file corruption charges against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and two other former Thai Rak Thai party members on Friday.

Established under the aegis of the 2006 military coup makers, the assets committee is moving to complete a several outstanding cases and to transfer ongoing investigations to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).

AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said AEC representatives will lodge two suits with the Supreme Court relating to the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings and to a loan extended by the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) to the Myanmar government.

Wrapping up its mandate of investigating malfeasance during Mr. Thaksin's
premiership, the AEC will file additional cases with the court in which
Mr. Thaksin will be the sole defender on charges of the former premier
holding shares in a telecom company while in office; and his executive
order to convert telecoms concession fees into excise duties.

At its meeting Wednesday, the AEC also found evidence that bribery had
taken place in the implementation of a low-cost housing project, in which
those accused of wrongdoing are former Social Development and Human
Security Minister Wattana Muangsuk, former Thai Rak Thai party MP Arisman
Pongruangrong and private companies involved in the project. Evidence of
this case will be presented to the Office of the Attorney-General for
legal proceedings.

As its mandate expires on June 30, the AEC has resolved to transfer
investigation into several other projects to the National Counter
Corruption Commission. (TNA)