Disappearance of witnesses may not hurt probe, EC says

EC investigators may rely on other witnesses and documents instead, Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said.

Suthiphon said witnesses were allowed to give written testimony. The point was whether EC investigators could find enough witnesses and documents.

Suthiphon confirmed that Messiah executive Prachuap Sangkhao, a key witness, was currently missing. But he said investigators may be able to summons him at a later date.

Ten witnesses had been investigated while Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Pataraprasit, the then former Democrat secretary-general, and former TPI Polene executive Prachai Leophairatana were still to be interviewed, Suthiphon said.

The deadline for the EC investigation is set for July 21, though it will probably not be met because several witnesses cannot be located.

In a separate development, the EC agreed to extend the period for 44 MPs to defend themselves, with regard to shares they hold in firms with state concessions, for another 15 days.

Eight MPs had yet to clarify their situation to the EC, so the new deadline would be July 23, Suthiphon said.

MPs who to failed to explain their shareholdings would be regarded as having no objection to the allegation.

The EC had contacted related agencies to verify information about MPs and their family shareholdings, Suthiphon said.

In another case, EC members received reports alleging that the wife of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya holds shares in Bangkok Expressway Plc. The EC was due to meet and decide on the case next Thursday, Suthiphon said.

The Constitution prohibits MPs, senators, the prime minister and ministers from holding equity stakes in firms linked to state concessions.