DEPUTY Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan will submit an explanatory letter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) tomorrow regarding his controversial possession of a high-end watch and diamond ring, according to a source close to Prawit.

The letter, now at the Defence Ministry office, will be forwarded to the NACC after the long weekend.

An unconfirmed local report also claimed that Prawit’s ring was an inheritance from his mother while what looks like a multi-million-baht Richard Mille watch was borrowed from Prawit’s businessman friend.

The source close to Prawit refused to confirm those claims, adding that the junta’s number-two leader would explain the issue only to the NACC.

The NACC is now presided over by Pol General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, who used to serve as a deputy secretary-general to the prime minister attached to Prawit.

While Watcharapong has said that any NACC member with conflicts of interest would not be allowed to investigate the case, he did not clarify whether he would step aside from the investigation.

Preecha Suwannathat, a former Anti-Corruption Commis-sion member and one of the NACC’s founding figures, said it would be difficult for Prawit to justify the watch’s origin if he really had borrowed it from a friend.

“It just sounds too easy,” Preecha said. “In that case, he will need to bring a friend to verify his claim. That friend will also need to tell the truth if he doesn’t want to be guilty of providing false information to the NACC.

“If that friend turns out to be a civil servant, he will need to be investigated also,” he said.

The investigation standards should not be altered as a result, he added, “unless there is some other agenda, especially regarding the NACC president who is now being watched”.

Last week, the NACC gave Prawit 30 days to justify his possession of the two extravagant items, which he wore when |taking a group photo with the recently reshuffled Cabinet last Monday.

The photo of the 72-year-old retired general shielding his eyes with his hand, displaying what appeared to be extremely expensive accessories, quickly caught the public’s attention amid questions how a lifelong military officer could afford such luxuries.

In relation to questions about his “unusual wealth”, Prawit also came under fire in 2014 when he entered the Cabinet after he failed to declare any assets worth more than Bt200,000 to the NACC.

Although there still has not been a confirmation on the model of the Richard Mille that Prawit was wearing, possible models are estimated to cost from Bt4 million to Bt10 million.

As a result of the controversy, Prawit has again become an Internet sensation, although not in a way that a veteran military official might wish.

“Too bad, I am no Prawit so I can afford just this candy ring,” said one person wrote on Facebook, showing off a Ring Pop candy on his hand.

But shifts in General Prayut Chan-o-Cha’s schedule have drawn attention, particularly one involving a royal water-diversion project that some say needs to be repaired and put back into use.

In the morning, Prayut will hand over an agricultural machine and livestock from the Royal Cattle and Buffalo Bank for Farmers to farmers at Ban Pone Village in Kammuang district. He is then scheduled to travel to Lampayang Royal Reservoir in Khaowong district, followed by a meeting with local leaders at Khaowong Technical College.

Kalasin Governor Kraisorn Kongchalart said the prime minister’s visit to two districts of Kalasin will see him plan the province’s development strategies with an emphasis on addressing poverty.

Prayut chose to visit Kalasin after a survey concluded that people in that province and Mae Hong Son province suffer from poverty and a lack of opportunities, said Kraisorn.

Location changes in the PM’s schedule resulted from discussion among authorities concerned about the capacity of venues given the number of people who wanted to meet the premier, he added.

“Therefore, we had to adjust the schedule to fit the visit but I will ensure that the premier will be informed of the problems and the needs of the people,” the governor said.

His province would become the model for how to solve people’s poverty and hardship, he said.

Meanwhile, Bamrung Kayotha, a member of the sub-committee on national reform on natural resources and environment, said he wished that Prayut had chosen to visit the Lampayang Bhumipat water diversion tunnel in Khaowong district. The facility is a Royal Initiated Project of the late King Rama IX, he said, featuring a 740-metre underground tunnel able to provide water to over 12,000 rai (1,920 hectares) of land.

But the area has been abandoned and the transportation route to the project was damaged for a long time without repair, said Bamrung.

“I wish that the premier would visit the area to see the real conditions and situation of the area. The local villagers are poor and have no access to any help from the government. However, the visit to the area which had initially been planned was cancelled without any reason,” he said.

But Bamrung’s claims were denied by Kittiphum Intarabutr, a chief irrigation official of Kalasin Irrigation. The tunnel project has been functional and could distribute water to farmers in two tambons covering about 12,000 rai (1,920 hectares) of land, he said.

“The tunnel project has no problems,” said Kittiphum. “The transportation routes will receive an additional budget of about Bt12 million to improve five kilometres of the route to the project.”

The poll entitled “Thai charter in people’s eyes” was conducted from Wednesday to Saturday in light of Constitution Day yesterday.

Promulgated in April of this year, the charter, whose drafters were handpicked by the junta, has been promoted for its graft-fighting mechanisms, increased legal obligations, legal enforcement by the courts and the use of independent organisations to carry out government actions.

This same charter, however, is controversial, as some of its so-called innovations tend to not only tone down the influence of the existing major parties but also likely pave the way for political outsiders to hold power.

For instance, the new mixed-member apportionment election system will probably scatter MPs’ seats to parties of medium and small sizes. The entire Senate will be handpicked by the junta and the selection procedure for the premiership could allow an outsider to get the job.

The draft of the Kingdom’s 20th constitution was publicly approved in last year’s referendum. Campaigners with different opinions were tightly controlled and some were even convicted of offences.

While 72 per cent of all 1,164 people agreed that the current charter was rich with graft-fighting elements, 65 per cent thought that it would be hard to amend it as this would require approval from both the upper and lower houses.

Sixty-three per cent thought it would pave the way for a prime minister from outside, almost 58 per cent thought that it would allow the NCPO to prolong its stay in power and more than 55 per cent thought that the new electoral system might result in an unstable government.

Almost 46 per cent thought the charter would make governance more state-centric with less emphasis on public participation.

Asked for their opinions on the charter, 36 per cent agreed that it focused on fighting corruption, 26 per cent hoped that it would bring about justice for all people and 26 per cent hopes it would be practical and would not be adjusted too often.

DEMOCRATIC and human rights groups have announced a challenge to the junta’s order against political activity at the Constitutional Court as they demand a return of freedom of expression and political assembly.

Democratic Restoration Group, the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre and representatives of victims of the junta’s order yesterday organised a press conference at Thammasat University. The coalition announced the launch of a campaign to annul controversial order 3/2015 issued by the leader of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) following the 2014 coup.

The order gave authority to military officers to detain for seven days and interrogate anyone deemed a threat to its authority and also prohibits a political assembly of five or more people.

Rangsiman Rome, a member of the coalition, said that for three-and-a-half years the junta-backed government has taken people into custody and later charged them for expressing an opinion that differs from the junta.

The junta has also used tactics to threaten academics who organise academic debates, including sending state officials to monitor the event and making participants feel insecure about their safety.

Rangsiman argued that despite the passing of a new Constitution, the junta continues to practice suppression against Thais exercising their rights. He noted the 2016 Constitution’s guarantees of human dignity, rights, liberties and equality. The junta’s harsh actions had damaged people’s freedom and the reputation of some people had been tainted by junta charges, he said.

“We all have agreed that it is the right time to resolve the issue, so we have come together with plans to file the case at the Constitutional Court in order to put an end to Order 3/2015,” he said.

The group referred to Section 213 of the Constitution, which would allow people whose rights have been violated to directly petition the court for a verdict on whether the NCPO’s order violated the constitution. Rangsiman said the group is gathering public support for filing a petition to the court this month or in January.

Leader of the New Democratic Movement, Sirawich Seritiwat (popularly known as Ja New), said he was a victim of the NCPO’s order when he took a train to visit Ratchapakdi Park and was then arrested by military officers. Sirawich referred to the scandal of military involvement in an irregularity during construction of the park.

‘Takes precedence’

“I don’t consider the NCPO’s order or announcement as a law since it was not scrutinised by many parties and approved by Parliament,” he said. “The NCPO’s order was made by a few people and discriminatorily enforced against people who have different political opinions from the junta. For the victim, he does not know who has arrested him. Neither does he know his own future in the seven-day custody period.”

Sirawich said he also wants the court to deliver a verdict to dissolve the NCPO or limit it to using its authority sparingly. He also vowed to campaign for dissolving the NCPO. “The petition would make clear to us which one, an NCPO’s order or the Constitution, takes precedence,” added Sirawich.

Nanthapong Panmas, a Ramkhamhaeng University law student, said that he also became a victim of the order when he campaigned against the Constitution referendum in Samut Prakan in 2016 and those who joined him were forced to quit their jobs.

“It is the time for the junta to have to lift the political ban and let people enjoy their freedom,” he said.

PRIME MINISTER General Prayut Chan-o-cha has pledged to improve Thailand’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking while urging Thais to have zero-tolerance for graft.

In the latest 2016 CPI ranking published by Transparency International, the country is ranked in 101st position out of 176 countries worldwide, with a score of less than 50 per cent.

Speaking at yesterday’s event to mark International Anti-Corruption Day at Bangkok’s Impact Muang Thong Thani convention centre, Prayut said he has no tolerance for corruption and urged anyone who has information about those abusing his name to report directly to the PM’s Office.

After presenting awards to state agencies with outstanding anti-corruption and transparency records, Prayut said people should join forces to get the country out of the vicious corruption cycle by having zero tolerance on graft so that the country can do better on the CPI ranking of Transparency International.

Thailand was ranked in the same place as the Philippines, while Indonesia and some other Asean countries did better in 2016 in terms of corruption perception by the international community, which includes expert assessments and opinion surveys.

Regarding the government’s role, Prayut said his administration has fully cooperated with the National Anti-Corruption Commission to fight graft along with non-government organisations, but the challenges are tough because corruption is deep-rooted in Thai society.

As a result, the government has been promoting new values to have no tolerance on graft, which includes the buying and selling of key government office positions, lack of transparency in state procurement and exploitation of legal loopholes for financial and other benefits, among other methods.

Lt-General Sansern Kaewkam-nerd, the chief government spokesman, said social media had circulated inaccurate information about Thailand’s CPI ranking since the 2017 rankings have not yet been announced. Therefore, the country remains ranked at 101st of the 176 countries covered by Transparency International.

He said more efforts to combat corruption should lead to a better position in the 2017 rankings, which are due to be announced in January.

Meanwhile, the latest Bangkok Poll shows efforts to combat the corruption that remains rampant among state-agency officials have not been effective, largely because penalties are not severe enough, especially with regard to bidding collusion for state procurement contracts.

Creating awareness

The December 4-7 survey of 1,205 respondents shows that government officials are mostly perceived to lack transparency, followed by elected politicians.

Respondents also shared the opinion that court verdicts and the recent punishment of politicians and state officials involved in the previous government’s rice-pledging scheme were severe and served as a lesson for others not repeat those corrupt practices which resulted in massive financial damage to taxpayers.

Prayut said the government has focussed on amending laws to increase effectiveness in combatting corruption while creating more public awareness of the negative consequences of graft on the public well-being.

He said the patronage system in Thailand is deep-seated so, as prime minister, he is very careful in dealing with people who may try to give him financial and other benefits in return for favours. As a result, Prayut said he never welcomes people who may try to do so at his residence.

“Do not pressure me. I will keep my word. I give you all of my heart,” Prayut told villagers in Kantang district during an inspection of the flooding situation in Trang on Friday.

He also suggested that villagers should choose good candidates when filling out their ballots.

The premier had said the next election would occur November next year, although the election date has been shifted several times.

THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) president should step aside in the investigation of his former boss, General Prawit Wongsuwan, regarding the latter’s possession of an extravagant wristwatch and diamond ring, political academics and critics said yesterday.

While the anti-graft body has agreed to investigate the case involving what appeared to be a multi-million-baht Richard Mille watch worn by the junta’s deputy prime minister, many doubt that Pol General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit will conduct a fair investigation.

Prawit, who did not declare any assets worth more than Bt200,000 when he entered the Cabinet in 2014, is suspected of not only concealing his assets from the NACC but also of “unusual wealth”, as the 72-year-old retired general does not appear to have any business investments.Pol General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit

Watcharapol is a familiar face in the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Soon after the 2014 coup, the NCPO promoted him from deputy police chief to acting police chief.

A few months later, the junta appointed him to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) before making him a deputy secretary-general to the prime minister attached to Prawit. He was appointed by the NLA to head the NACC a year later.

The NACC under his navigation has a track record of clearing NCPO members of corruption allegations regarding their involvement with the construction of Rajabhakti Park.

NACC regulations stipulate that any NACC-appointed subcommittee member investigated may be recused if they are considered to have a conflict of interest.

Objections can also be raised if officials have business relations with parties involved in a case.

Aware that he was under scrutiny, Watcharapol said earlier that he would not allow any NACC member with vested interests to investigate the case, but he did not rule out his own participation.

Academics have said they have little faith that the NACC will seriously investigate Prawit given how anti-graft officials were appointed.

Mana Nimitmongkol, secretary-general of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, said Watcharapol probably would not investigate Prawit’s case himself, particularly since his connection with Prawit had been scrutinised since he was appointed to the NACC.

However, as NACC president, it would be impossible for Watcharapol to not have a role in the investigation results eventually. “The best he could do might be to use an investigative mechanism and officers transparent enough to be publicly acceptable,” Mana said.Srisuwan Janya

Srisuwan Janya, an activist who filed a petition with the NACC against Prawit, said Watcharapol should temporarily withdraw from overseeing the case and let the rest of the NACC members conduct the process.

Satithorn Thananitichote, an academic at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, said he believe that Watcharapol would still be able to investigate the case if he strictly follows the NACC’s regulations.

“He and Prawit did work together, but it still can’t be said that they retain connections. It is rather a social perception,” Satithorn said. “Officers having shared work experience is rather common. Setting such a high standard might affect other cases as well.”

However, Watcharapol could abstain from a decision when the NACC discusses the case to maintain “good political etiquette”, he said.

Most importantly, he added, the NACC must ensure that the investigative subcommittee works independently without any conflicts of interest.

THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has given Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan 30 days to explain how he obtained a flamboyant Richard Mille wristwatch and diamond ring after the luxury items raised public suspicion about the general’s affluence.

The agency would consider taking further action after hearing Prawit’s account, said Worawit Sukboon, the agency’s acting secretary-general, who added it should not take long to resolve the issue given its “simplicity”.

Prawit could either clarify the issue in person or submit a written statement to the NACC, he said.

While Prawit has said he owned the watch for a long time, Worawit refused to confirm whether that meant he had concealed assets as the items were not listed on the assets and liability report he submitted to the NACC when he entered office.

The multi-million-baht watch and diamond ring raised eyebrows after they were noticed when Prawit raised his hand to shade his face from sunlight before a group picture at the first meeting of the reshuffled Cabinet on Monday.

When he became deputy prime minister and defence minister in 2014, Prawit reported Bt87 million worth of assets, including bank savings, land, property and a car. A section on the form for assets worth more than Bt200,000 slot was left blank.

Under criticism for the scandal, Prawit yesterday skipped a meeting at the government house where reporters were expecting his presence.

Although the NACC by law has to consider the issue, members of the public and regime critics doubted whether the agency would really investigate the issue or simply help the general avoid assuming any guilt.

Not only is Prawit a key member in the current ruling regime, but he also has a connection with the head of the NACC, Pol General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, who worked for him after the 2014 coup.

Prior to assuming leadership of the anti-corruption body, Watcharapol was a deputy secretary-general to the prime minister attached to Prawit.

Watcharapol said yesterday he was not bothered at having to take up a case involving his former boss. The NACC’s job entailed questioning Prawit, he said, but it was not clear whether he would join deliberations in the case if the NACC seriously investigates the issue.

However, he said commissioners that had a stake in the case would be excluded from deliberations.

For the time being, Watcharapol reiterated that the agency was inquiring how Prawit had acquired the assets in question and whether he had documentation proving how they were acquired.

The NACC would compare the assets to the list submitted earlier, he said, but added that the current law only required political office holders to report their assets and liabilities twice, when they assumed and left office, not during their tenure.

Given the unusual circumstances in Prawit’s case, the NACC had to ask him for clarification, he said.

The anti-graft body needed to prove itself to be politically neutral enough to carry out the investigation, said Mana Nimitmongkol, secretary-general of the Anti-corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT).

Prawit’s case indicates the public’s enthusiasm in scrutinising political office holders, he said. “It’s good to see how just one photo of Prawit shading his eyes can trigger this much interest,” Mana said in a seminar held by the ACT yesterday.

“We may look at the ongoing NACC draft bill, for instance,” he said, referring to the bill to be deliberated by junta-appointed bodies.

“If it is written to eventually benefit the serving NACC members, extending their terms for instance, it must be watched closely,” he said.

An investigation of Prawit’s tax records matching them against his assets was necessary, he said, adding that the standard should be applied to all political office holders.