Graft evidence strong against Bhokin, Samak
The Assets Examination Com-mittee (AEC) said yesterday there were grounds to believe former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his then-deputy Pracha Maleenont and then-assistant secretary Somsak Khunngern corruptly prepared an overpriced deal to buy fire vehicles from an Austrian supplier.
There were also grounds against former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and Pol Maj-General Atilak Tanchukiat, who heads the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, said AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengreung. "Their acts suggest corruption, and they should be punished under criminal law," Sak said. The AEC found no evidence against Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, because the incumbent governor only proceeded as required by the agreement of understanding (AoU) inked by Bhokin and the purchase agreement signed by Samak. The deal could be traced back to 2004 when Bhokin, in his capacity as interior minister, signed the AoU with the Austrian ambassador for Thailand to purchase fire-engines, fire-boats and other fire-fighting equipment for the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department. Pracha and Somsak helped in preparing the agreement. Then-acting Bangkok governor Samak signed the purchase agreement just before his term ended. Austrian company Steyr Daimler Puch was named as the supplier. The deal was worth Bt6.68 billion, which was later found to be excessively overpriced. Current Bangkok Governor Apirak voiced concerns about the deal, but because of worries over legal repercussions and bilateral ties, he inked a letter of credit. Without the letter of credit, the purchase could not take full effect. "The overpriced deal cost the country Bt1.9 billion," Sak said yesterday. He said the AEC would inform the Interior Ministry of its resolution in regard to the deal and wait for the Interior Ministry to submit an official complaint as the damaged party. The BMA is supervised by the Interior Ministry. "Only after an official complaint is submitted will the AEC be able to set up an investigation subcommittee for this case," Sak said. Based on its fact-finding panel, the AEC resolved yesterday that there were grounds to investigate Bhokin, Pracha, Somsak, Samak and Atilak on corruption charges for their roles in the deal. After hearing the panel's resolution, Samak complained that the AEC never summoned him to give information or an explanation. "Why did the AEC give Apirak more than 11 hours to explain, while I was not allowed to speak?" he said. Samak blamed Apirak for opening the letter of credit. Sak said if fresh evidence emerged, the AEC would consider whether its investigation should cover more people.
Bancha Khaengkhan, Budsarakham Sinlapalavan The Nation
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