Former Bank of Thailand governor MR Pridiyathorn Devakula's testimony to the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) yesterday did not diminish the chances that deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Pojaman, would be taken to court over her land purchase.

Udom Fuangfung, chairman of the AEC panel investigating the case, said Pridiyathorn provided useful information.

His panel still has a solid case against Thaksin and Pojaman for violating Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Act, which states that government officials - including prime ministers - and their spouses are prohibited from entering into or having interests in contracts with state agencies under their supervision.

However, a member of Thaksin's legal-defence team expressed confidence that Pridiyathorn's testimony might help his client escape prosecution, a source said.

Afterwards, Pridiyathorn spoke to Thaksin's legal team. He reportedly told them he could answer all questions concerning the matter, especially about the PM's authority in regard to the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF).

Article 29 of the Bank of Thailand Act of 1942 states that the PM does not have jurisdiction to oversee the FIDF, because those managing the fund have sole authority for policies, control, oversight and regulations governing the agency.

The fund did not need to seek permission from Thaksin or his Cabinet in regard to land purchased from the fund, because the PM did not oversee the FIDF.

"We're confident Pridiyathorn's testimony will be useful to us if the case goes to a court trial," the source said.

Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer for Thaksin, said his team would file a protest against the AEC for not allowing them to hear the former central-bank chief's testimony. As authorised representatives of the accused, they should have been allowed to be present, he said.

"We need to gather evidence, including Pridiyathorn's testimony, to fight the court case," he said.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan,

Bancha Khaengkhan

The Nation