Media out in force as AEC completes its last day in office

Assets Examination Committee chairman Nam Yimyaem, left, hands over the panel’s anti-graft duties to National Counter Corruption Commission chairman Panthep Klanarongran upon expiry of the AEC’s term yesterday.

Reporters and photographers from all forms of media were present to cover the final day of the AEC's term. Many said they had become attached to the panel after covering its work ever since it was set up a year and nine months ago.

"I am glad the term of the AEC has legally ended because I don't want the AEC members to work too hard," said Radio Thailand reporter Panawan Chitsamut.

"I am concerned about the health of each committee member as they are quite elderly. However, I believe they will not leave the work they started, just the same as reporters who follow up cases until the end, no matter how they are."

The AEC members arrived for their final meeting looking fresh, and greeted reporters with whom they have become familiar.

"I cannot say whether all the members will feel relieved when the AEC's term ends," said AEC member Klanarong Chantik, who is also a member of the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NCCC).

"Each of them has to continue the work. I am an NCCC member, and I will have to continue the cases from the AEC. Most of the AEC's officers that will have to work with the NCCC in the future were AEC working teams and officers from the Office of the Auditor General."

At the AEC's final press conference at 10am, spokesman Sak Korsaengruang spoke of the pressure he felt with the problems the AEC faced while working with the attorney general.

Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka described the Constitution Court ruling that the appointment and extension of the AEC's term as a victory for the panel.

The committee members then prepared to leave for Thammasat University, the venue for a seminar being held as a farewell event for the panel.

About 50 officials, some with tears in their eyes, presented flowers to the AEC members. They also played popular farewell songs.

AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem smile and waved to people and reporters in front of the building and made a "V" sign to symbolise the corruption investigators would not give up.

"We also received moral support from you," he told the reporters.

Saraphee Boonraksa, 26, a staff member at the Office of the Auditor General, said she did not want the AEC to leave as she felt secure when the AEC members were around and was attached to them. She said she hoped they would return and work with her again.

A big crowd filled Thammasat University's Large Auditorium in the afternoon. Some people had to stand as they waited to hear the AEC members speak. The audience sang patriotic songs, while some shouted condemnation of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The audience applauded for seven minutes as the AEC members took the stage.

Parting words

"We don't have six senses to know who is right or wrong. We do everything according to evidence. We aren't biased. Defendants don't have to fear that we will bully them."

Nam Yimyaem.

"We have now reached the halfway point. After this it will be the duty of the NCCC, the prosecutor and the court to finish the task. If they do, the country will survive."

Kaewsan Atibodhi

"After the AEC expires, I ask you (Thais) to give moral support to the NCCC." 

Udom Fuangfung

"Let's [everyone] refrain from selfishness and think more about the public interest."

Amnuay Thantara

"Death befalls all of us. Bodies become ghosts. Only good and evil remain forever." 

Jaruvan Maintaka

"Thank you for all your support today. It gives me the will to fight on."

Viroj Laohaphan

"The AEC and NCCC are unbiased over the [Thaksin] charges. The courts will finally bring wrongdoers to justice, no matter how powerful they are."

Klanarong Chantik

"It's not important how the AEC was installed. The point is what it has done along the way and that it shows no bias to those involved [with the cases]."

Banjerd Singkaneti

"The AEC only considers cases based on facts. Wrongdoers will be punished."

Sak Korsaengruang

"The AEC has no intention of ruining anyone. We scrutinise cases based on the rule of law."

Saowanee Asavaroj