Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, president of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), said yesterday that although no issues had been uncovered, a fact-finding panel would be set up today to look into the case further.

If the panel found irregularities, state authorities involved would face disciplinary action and individuals who had since retired could still face prosecution along with other wrongdoers outside the office, he said.

The allegations were exposed by the United States Justice Department, which has reportedly said that bribes were paid to some people who claimed to be advisers on the Thai Parliament’s CCTV camera procurement project, which was carried out in 2006.

The news prompted NLA Vice President Surachai Liengboonlertchai to instruct the committee that oversaw the compound to ask relevant staff to explain what happened regarding the project. He said he would report the initial finding to the president.

Pornpetch, who has received the initial report, said there were two CCTV procurement projects at the Parliament. The first, in March 30, 2006, was worth around Bt29 million, and the second, in February 23, 2009, was worth Bt26.9 million.

He said no irregularities were found in procurements on either project and officials followed regulations.

Pornpetch said he would like to contact the foreign agencies regarding the allegations, but that was the responsibility of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General.