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Published on July 9, 2007

An Assets Examin-ation Committee (AEC) sub-panel member is angry that Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin will not be charged over the controversial purchase of fire-fighting equipment for the city.

Sithichok Rawdkrutha has complained to AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem about the decision. He wants the governor and other Democrat leaders quizzed.

The committee panel probing fire-vehicle corruption headed by Prasert Boonsri will today ask the AEC to charge former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula and his deputy Pracha Maleenont, former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej, police Maj-General Athilak Tanchukiat and Somsak Kun-ngern for alleged involvement in the scandal.

A source said the panel voted five to two to charge a former Bangkok city clerk, but Prasert disapproved.

Sithichok is an AEC subcommittee member and has always pushed for Apirak to be investigated. Sithichok was not appointed to the subcommittee looking into these allegations.

Sithichok wants the decision not to include Apirak reviewed. In addition, he has named former Democrat Party leader Banyat Bantadtan, party executive member Yuthapong Charatsathien and former Department of Special Investigation director-general Thawee Sodsong.

Also on his list for investigation are Boonserm Weesakul, head of a fact-finding panel probing the scandal, police Maj-General Chatri Suthas na Ayuthaya, Democrat Party deputy secretary-general Korn Chatikavanij and former Thai Rak Thai party spokesman Sita Divari who alleged Apirak flew to Singapore to accept Bt500 million in kickbacks.

Sithichok said there were many irregularities in the purchase. The contract was not approved by the Attorney-General, he said.

He questioned how a Bt6.6-billion deal could be approved in just seven days.

It was later discovered some of the equipment purchased from an Austrian manufacturer was in fact made in Thailand. He added the value of the contract exceeded a Cabinet-approved level.

Sithichok suspected Apirak of "dereliction of duty or malfeasance" for giving the nod to the purchase.

Nam confirmed receiving the complaint but would not table it for AEC consideration. He will forward it to Prasert for a decision.

Bancha Khaengkhan

The Nation