Graft charges seem odd now

The national anti-corruption mission has accused General Satien Permthong of being "unusually rich", citing his time as a government official in 2007-2008, and has frozen Bt65 million of his assets. What is unusual about a government official, or a minister, filling his boots while in office? The unusual thing is calling them to book, to charge them with it.

So, why this man, five years on? He is a lecturer in political science, so he could not embarrass himself professionally by being in Pheu Thai political circles. He was in office during the time of General Surayud Chulanont - the military government. Gotcha!

The People's Power Party was in power in 2008. It could have got General Satien then. It was the time when the recently highlighted police-station-construction contract was initiated. The DSI made accusations against Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra regarding the contract, but left out the wannabe governor Pongsapat Pongcharoen despite his having signed the contract.

Richard Bowler

Bangkok