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Published on October 31, 2007

"All six members on the sub-panel believe she supported five other officials in corruptly preparing the purchase," the source said. There was "incrim-inating" evidence against Nathanon, who was city clerk when the contract was signed.

This sub-panel is going to convene again tomorrow to discuss the roles of Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin and former commerce minister Watana Muangsook in the deal.

Earlier this year, another AEC sub-panel concluded that there were grounds to believe five former and incumbent officials acted corruptly in preparing the deal, that cost the country an estimated Bt1.9 billion.

The officials were Bhokin Bhalakula, Samak Sundaravej, Police Maj-General Atilak Tanchukiat, Pracha Maleenont and Somsak Khun-ngern.

The deal dates back to 2004 when Bhokin, then interior minister, signed an agreement of understanding with the Austrian ambassador to buy fire engines, fire boats and other fire-fighting equipment for the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, a unit of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

The Interior Ministry oversees the BMA.

The deal involved a counter-trade agreement, prepared by the Commerce Ministry and Foreign Trade Department.

Former Bangkok governor Samak later signed the deal just before his term ended.

Austrian firm Steyr Daimler Puch is the supplier.

Atilak, who heads the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, was also involved.

The first sub-panel did not implicate Samak's successor Apirak, Nathanon and Watana for their roles in the procurement.

But the AEC board twice turned down those findings and all members of first sub-panel stood down.

The board has since set up a new sub-panel to look into the case.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

 The Nation