The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) insisted yesterday that its decision to clear Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan for allegedly possessing a large number of luxury watches of unexplained orgin was legitimate after their ruling drew flak from both critics and politicians.

“The decision was made based on evidence shown in the case file,” NACC secretary-general Worawit Sukboon said. “As for the criticism, we cannot stop anyone from criticising this because they have the right to do so. But time will tell that the NACC did not use emotion in judging this case.”

He also said that the NACC cannot stop the public from gathering signatures to push for the impeachment of the five commissioners who found Prawit innocent. However, he said, people need to know that the anti-graft agency’s investigation and ruling had followed due process.

NACC’s statement came in response to widespread criticism after the commissioners decided to drop charges against Prawit’s controversial collection of 22 luxury watches that are believed to be worth over Bt20 million.

The agency announced on Thursday that the watches belonged to Prawit’s deceased friend, as the general had initially claimed, and that he was not guilty of concealing assets.

Anti-corruption activist Srisuwan Junya, however, issued a statement yesterday alleging malfeasance on the part of the five commissioners who had found Prawit innocent and declared he had gathered 20,000 signatures to get them sacked.

Activist Veera Somkwamkid said yesterday that he will file lawsuit against the NACC for letting Prawit walk free. Observers, meanwhile, along with politicians from different parties voiced similar concerns, saying this may set a new standard that borrowing such expensive items was legitimate.

“In the future, if others are caught in a similar situation, will they get away with it if they say they borrowed the items from a friend?” Pheu Thai Party deputy spokesman Wattanarak Suranatyut asked.

The party also questioned how the NACC had ruled out any possibility of conflict of interest related to this case. Undermining credibility Nattawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader and a core member of the Thai Raksa Chart Party, said yesterday that this case could ultimately undermine the country’s credibility in the eyes of the international community.

“This is a red flag in the scrutiny by independent agencies,” Nattawut said. “Now it’s impossible to ensure any scrutiny of corruption in this country.”

Democrat Party’s Charnchai Issarasenarak said on Friday that the NACC appeared to have found an excuse for General Prawit, instead of finding facts regarding the controversial collection.

“The NACC was incapable of finding facts about the 25 watches. This is a disgrace for the agency and could end up being a catastrophe for it,” he said. Charnchai, a former Nakhon Nayok MP, accused the NACC of lying to the public by claiming it could not find out who had bought these watches.

He too said corrupt government officials can use the same excuse in the future – that they “borrowed” their ill-gotten gains from generous friends.

Seri Ruam Thai Party leader Seripisut Temiyavej on Friday suggested the anti-graft agency’s decision to clear Prawit may have something to do with the fact that the incumbent NACC president was once the deputy PM’s subordinate.

Seripisut, a former national police chief, said he will “deal with” the NACC in relation to this matter if he gains political power after the elections.

THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) yesterday cleared Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan of wrongdoing over a collection of luxury wristwatches, accepting his claim that the timepieces belonged to a now-dead friend.

The diamond rings Prawit was also pictured wearing were passed on to him by his deceased parent, the NACC decided. Neither the watches nor the rings had been declared as assets by Prawit when he took up his Cabinet post.

After taking a full year to investigate the matter, the anti-graft body ruled that General Prawit had no intention of concealing his assets when he entered government.

Prawit, who is also the defence minister in the junta-backed government, faced an outpouring of public criticism after photos of him wearing wristwatches and rings each worth millions of baht went viral on the Internet.

The photos indicated he had at least 22 expensive watches and three diamond rings that he had failed to declare in the asset list submitted to the NACC as required by law when he became a Cabinet member.

In four letters to the agency responding to the allegation, Prawit claimed the watches had been lent to him by a friend who was a collector. That friend was identified as Patawat Suksriwong, a deceased billionaire.

Prawit had already returned the watches to their rightful owners, said the NACC.

Prawit said he had inherited the rings from his mother after taking up his Cabinet post, and so did not include them in the asset list.

The investigating committee interviewed individuals and sought information from agencies including the Customs Department and the Foreign Affairs Ministry, as well as watch dealers. It found that the billionaire Patawat was a watch collector and had often lent items from his collection to friends. Prawit was among those beneficiaries, the NACC said.

NACC secretary-general Worawit Sukboon yesterday told a press conference that the agency had found 21 of the 22 watches in question had belonged to Patawat.

Twenty of these were found in Patawat’s house, he said.

One watch remains missing, but investigators did find its warranty car, he added. That left one watch whose ownership could not be confirmed, but the NACC believed it may also have belonged to Patawat, said Worawit.

Patawat had no business dealings with the Defence Ministry led by Prawit, the NACC added, implying that the watches were not loaned with any motivation other than friendship.

The eight-member commission voted five to three that Prawit did not intend to conceal his assets, Worawit said.

The three commissioners in the minority did not find Prawit guilty but said the evidence was insufficient and called for the investigation continue, he added.

NACC chair Pol General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, who has a close personal connection with Prawit as his former subordinate, had withdrawn from the probe at the start, Worawit said.

Political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan, who filed the initial asset-concealment complaint with the NACC, told The Nation he would appeal the case with the agency after the New Year holiday.

“I never questioned who were the owners of the watches. This is about whether or not Prawit borrowed the expensive watches from Patawat,” Ekachai said.

“If he really borrowed the watches, he should be scrutinised for receiving such expensive items. It could be illegal.”

TWO FORMER election commissioners and an ex-lawyer of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra were among the 200 senatorial candidates elected by their fellow applicants yesterday.

Former Election Commission (EC) president Supachai Somcharoen, ex-EC member Dhirawat Dhirarojvit, and lawyer Thana Benjathikul, who once served as Thaksin’s legal adviser, managed to get elected to become senatorial candidates.

The EC will later submit a list of 200 senatorial candidates – 100 from independent applicants and 100 from those nominated by eligible organisations – to the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The junta will then handpick 50 from the 200 names for the 250-member Senate.

Of the remaining 200 senators, 194 will be appointed by the NCPO, while the last six will be ex-officio members consisting of the commanders-in-chief of the three Armed Forces, the Armed Forces’ supreme commander, the Defence Ministry’s permanent secretary and the national police chief.

The election of senatorial candidates took place at Impact Hall 2 in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi province, yesterday.

There were 2,746 applicants who had passed initial voting at the district and provincial levels – 2,294 of them independent applicants and 452 nominated by authorised organisations, EC president Ittiporn Boonpracong said yesterday.

However, 2,675 of the applicants reported for the final vote yesterday, while the remaining 71 failed to make it, Ittiporn added. The applicants come from 10 occupational groups.

Representatives of the US Embassy were also present at the venue to observe the vote, which the EC chief said had been carried out in a transparent manner and the applicants can testify to it.

Ittiporn added that the agency welcomed complaints from any applicants regarding possible fraud or unfair practices.

According to him, the agency will consider whether it will make public the shortlist of 200 candidates.

“It is not required by law. The law only requires the EC to submit the list to the NCPO,” he said.

Lots had to be drawn among applicants in certain occupational groups because they had won the same number of votes, Ittiporn said.

After learning that he had won the vote, Supachai, who just completed his term at the EC in August, thanked his fellow applicants for voting for him. The former EC president said he will keep his fingers crossed to see if the NCPO chooses him as one of the final 50 senators.

Thaksin’s former lawyer, Thana, meanwhile, said he believes he is well qualified for the job, though it still depends on the NCPO as to whether he will eventually become one.

“I am not anybody’s man. I was once a lawyer for politicians, but that’s my job. Currently, I’m trying to distance myself from politics,” he said.

Dhirawat said he was proud to be elected as one of the 200 candidates, adding that his experience will be a good match for the many roles a senator has to play should he be appointed to the Upper House.

Retired General Prem Tinsulanonda also praised Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha for his “strong determination to make this country peaceful and happy, and make Thai people richer”.

The chief royal adviser made these remarks while receiving Prayut and members of his Cabinet at his Sisao Thewet residence.

 Prayut, who also heads the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), led a group of key Cabinet members and commanders of the Armed Forces to offer New Year wishes to the elder statesman. In response, Prem gave his blessings and shared his wisdom with the visitors.

“The prime minister should view the opposition and people who disagree with him as friends. Do not see them as enemies. It’s no use that way,” Prem said.

“Disagreement is necessary and unavoidable. I want the prime minister to behave like this: I disagree with you, but I can be your friend.

“This way, things will go smoothly. I would like the prime minister to remember this. It may prove useful for you. It worked for me,” he added.

Prem, 98, served as an unelected head of government from May 1979 to August 1986. The former Army chief and Armed Forces supreme commander is still considered a powerful figure in Thailand, despite holding no political or government positions.

Prayut responded to Prem’s advice by saying he befriended everybody. “I don’t see anyone as an enemy,” he added.

The prime minister later had a private five-minute chat with Prem in the living room, and as he was leaving, he told reporters gathered outside: “I am friendly”.

The media had to undergo tight security checks before they could enter the compound to cover the event.

Among the Cabinet members joining the prime minister on the trip were Deputy Premier General Prawit Wongsuwan, Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda and Deputy Prime Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya.

Prayut also informed Prem that his government was running the country in line with King Rama IX’s sufficiency economy philosophy and His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s suggestion of preserving and improving the country’s cultural heritage and national pride.

The premier also lauded the elder statesman, saying his government was inspired by Prem’s honesty, patience and loyalty.

“We will continue sticking to the good examples that you have set and are still setting,” he added.

Around 2,746 candidates are participating in the voting on 27 December, during which 200 will be chosen for the final round.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will then select 50 candidates from the professional group to join the 250-member senate assembly, ahead of the general elections that are planned to be held in February 2019, the first poll since the 2014 military coup.

National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)’s secretary general Worawit Sukboon said the collection of luxury watches did indeed belong to a billionaire friend.

Prawit inherited the diamond ring from his parents after he had already declared the asset. Hence he was not guilty of concealing his assets.

This ruling has finally brought to an end one of the most talked about scandals this year.

The controversy erupted late last year when Prawit showed up at a Cabinet meeting sporting a Richard Mille designer wristwatch said to be worth nearly Bt3 million.

Observers immediately began questioning how Prawit could afford such an expensive watch with his income as a retired general.

It was later discovered that he had not declared the item to the NACC when he became a Cabinet member.

Intrigued by this, netizens dug up old photographs that indicated the general possessed numerous expensive watches. At a rough count, he had at least 22 luxury wristwatches, with their combined worth estimated at more than Bt20 million.

Prawit was also pictured wearing a diamond ring, which again was believed to not have been included in his asset declaration.

The general said the ring belonged to his parents, while the watches were lent to him by a longtime collector friend. Prawit has said this friend is no longer alive.

Public scrutiny intensified because Prawit is part of the coup-installed regime that had pledged to combat corruption.

UNCERTAINTY over the fate of Deputy Premier General Prawit Wongsuwan continued yesterday after the country’s anti-graft watchdog failed to deliver its report on the probe into Prawit’s collection of luxury wristwatches.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) was scheduled to discuss the case and make a decision on the matter yesterday but postponed its meeting yet again, because a commissioner had called in sick.

The agency had said it would hold a press conference yesterday evening to announce its conclusion on the case. NACC secretary-general Worawit Sukboon said his agency had its hands full and did not have time to discuss the issue yesterday. He only said the matter would be discussed today, adding that commissioner Sathaporn Laothong had taken sick leave yesterday, making it impossible for a decision to be made on the case.

The controversy erupted last year when Prawit was spotted wearing a Richard Mille designer wristwatch said to be worth nearly Bt3 million.

Observers immediately began questioning how Prawit could afford such an expensive watch with his income as a retired general. It was later discovered that he had not declared the item to the NACC when he became a Cabinet member.

Intrigued by this, netizens dug up old photographs that indicated the general possessed numerous expensive watches. At a rough count, he had at least 22 luxury wristwatches, with their combined worth estimated at more than Bt20 million.

Expensive diamond on his finger

Prawit was also pictured wearing a diamond ring, which again was not reported to the NACC in his asset declaration.

The general said the ring belonged to his parents and the watches were lent to him by a long-time collector friend. That friend, however, had already passed away, according to Prawit.

Public scrutiny intensified because Prawit is part of the coup-installed regime that had pledged to combat corruption.

Widespread disenchantment with the junta government grew after Prawit was allowed to remain in the Cabinet despite being under investigation.

Many observers said they were convinced the NACC would not rule the deputy PM guilty, as the agency is now chaired by his former close aide, Police General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit.

Watcharaphol, however, withdrew from the probe following criticism, in an attempt to show that the committee’s decision would be free from influence.

The press conference yesterday was held amid strict security. Political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan, who has held a string of symbolic protests challenging Prawit in the watch case, was banned from the press conference.

Earlier yesterday, Prawit maintained his story about the luxury wristwatches.

“Truth is the truth. I see no reason for people to attack me about this,” he told reporters.

The deputy premier reiterated that he had returned all the watches to their rightful owners, referring to the children of his “deceased friend”.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday at the Cabinet meeting that all Cabinet members must maintain their full authority in public administration.

However, those who had become political party members must keep their neutrality and they cannot take part in election campaigning, he said. They could only encourage voters to turn up and exercise their right, Wissanu said.

Last week, the pro-junta party was hit with at least two hot potatoes. Questions were asked about ministers and public servants taking part in its extravagant fundraising dinner as well as who had paid for them.

A couple of days later, a video clip went viral showing the party offering state welfare cards to low-income earners in exchange for their application to become members of the party.

Critics and observers are questioning if the junta was abusing its power and state budget for its own political interest, to boost its popularity ahead of the election.

Previously, conflict of interest had always been a major debate, as Phalang Pracharat Party shared the same name as the junta’s major populist scheme.

Following criticism, junta leader PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday distanced himself from Phalang Pracharat – a party that has made it clear all along that it would back Prayut to be the PM after the election.

Prayut said yesterday at a press briefing after the weekly Cabinet meeting that he wanted all parties supporting his return as premier to be careful when mentioning him.

“Unless I have already accepted your invitation, please don’t mention me,” Prayut said. “I haven’t made any decision yet.”

However, the junta chief did not rule out the possibility of him remaining in politics after the election.

“If any party would like to make any offer, they will have to wait until all the electoral laws and regulations are in place. I will consider it again if I want to go on, and with which party. Please respect my decision.”

Regarding the video clip showing low-income earners being forced to apply for Phalang Pracharat |membership in exchange for |welfare cards, Prayut said yesterday that the concerned parties had already explained it was a |misunderstanding.

PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday rejected allegations of nepotism and abuse of power by his former Cabinet member, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, according to Government Spokesman Buddhipong Punnakanta.

“The prime minister rejects all forms of corruption and he has ordered strict punishment for any wrongdoings, regardless of the wrongdoers,” Buddhipong said.

“He is not affected by any attempts to malign him and is still determined to serve the country and the people.”

Pridiyathorn is a former governor of the Bank of Thailand who had served as deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs in the Prayut government’s first Cabinet.

In a personal post yesterday, Pridiyathorn alleged that Phalang Pracharat Party was set up to pave the way for General Prayut to retain political power. He also accused the government of grabbing an unfair advantage over other political parties by wooing votes using the state budget and handout projects.

Pridiyathorn outlined eight reasons why he did not want General Prayut to return as prime minister after the election. These included the junta chief’s indecisiveness, his aggressiveness and lack of manners. He mentioned that Prayut was once referred to as “a clown” by foreign media.

The government spokesman said yesterday that Pridiyathorn’s allegations were inaccurate due to his mistaken understanding over the matters in his list.

Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan yesterday said Pridiyathorn’s allegations were baseless and originated from his “personal dislike” of certain government figures.

“He doesn’t like some people personally,” General Prawit said, adding that the dislike developed after Pridiyathorn left the post-coup government.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) is investigating allegations involving the pro-junta Phalang Pracharat regarding a recent fundraising dinner and the issuance of government welfare cards in exchange for party memberships.

EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma said yesterday that he expected the results of the investigation to be |available within 30 to 60 days.

Jarungvith said the agency did not discuss the issue related to the welfare card and Phalang Pracharat Party yesterday. However, the investigation is underway with EC deputy secretary-general Dusadee Pornsuksawas looking into the matter, he said.

Because the action could be viewed as evidence in a video clip, the EC could immediately take the matter into its hands without anybody having to file a complaint, Jarungvith said.

The EC is also looking into a previously reported matter of Phalang Pracharat allegedly collecting people’s ID cards, the official said.

Regarding the controversial fundraising dinner by Phalang Pracharat, Jarungvith said the party was preparing to clarify the source of the donations. It has 30 days after receiving the money to do so, he added.

General Prayut said yesterday during his visit to Nonthaburi province that welfare cards are issued by the government and not by politicians. He added that there were attempts to portray this project as political.

Earlier, a video clip posted on social media showed people claiming that they had been forced to apply for membership of Phalang Pracharat in order to get their welfare cards, which entitled them to certain handouts and benefits.

Thai Raksa Chart Party’s key figure, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, yesterday said such an act was against the law and was liable to a penalty, including the possibility of the violating party being disbanded.

Prawit said a man who told villagers in Yasothon on Saturday that they needed to apply for membership of Phalang Pracharat to get their welfare cards had been arrested and questioned. “We still don’t know if he is a party figure or a member of an anti-government group,” he told reporters.

Yasothon Governor Nikorn Suksai told a press conference yesterday that this matter could have been caused by a misunderstanding.

He said officials distributed welfare cards to eligible local residents at a temple in Loeng Nok Tha district on Saturday. On the following day, a political party held its activity at the same location, he added.

“The local EC office is seeking facts about the claim of party membership in exchange for welfare cards,” the governor said.

In a related development, Phalang Pracharat deputy spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana claimed the party has come under attack because it has gained much support from the public due to its attractive policy platforms.

Of the candidates, 2,116 were male and 630 female. The provinces with the most number of successful candidates were Bangkok (74), Nakhon Ratchasima (57), Ratchaburi (56), Pathum Thani (53) and Songkhla (52), according to EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma.

Jarungvith also reported that Bungkan, Singburi, Chumphon and Nakhon Nayok were the five provinces with the least number of successful candidates.

These candidates had been voted in the process called cross-election involving 10 groups of professional guilds.

The Senate under the Constitution represents these professional groups. Previously, the senators were independent individuals running in an election. The Constitution writers decided to change that, arguing that a normal election essentially made them politicians and no different from members of Parliament.

The semi-final round will take place on Thursday and the final number of candidates will be reduced to 200.

Those getting the most number of votes will be scrutinised again by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which will only pick 50 people out of these to become senators.

The Senate, however, will comprise 250 members. Six will come from the military top brass and police chief who will be ex-officio members. The balance 194 senators will be handpicked by the NCPO.

Number of successful candidates classified by 10 professional groups

1 Public Administration and Security 294

2 Law and Justice 257

3 Education and Public Health 346

4 Agriculture and Fisheries 336

5 Private Employees, Labour and Freelancers 231

6 Environment, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Science and Tech 178

7 SMEs 262

8 Women, Elderly, Disabled and Ethnic Groups, Civil Society 383

9 Arts, Media and Sport 213

10 Others 246