Thai senators to take issue with money-laundering probe

Thai senators to take issue with money-laundering probe

Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong talks to reporters at Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong speaks to reporters at Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

A group of 30 senators will file a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) against Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong and Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam on Wednesday for negligence of duty under Section 157 of the Criminal Code.

The problems will be made following a March 6 selection by the DS I’s unique circumstances panel to investigate money-laundering claims related to the latest Senate vote.

The table is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Its decision was later questioned by Senator Chatwat Saengpetch.

Mr Chatwat, who is among the 30 lawmakers who will file the complaint, said the DSI was able to forward related information to the Election Commission (EC ) in late February but it did not do so. Eventually, the DSI accused the EC of prevaricating.

” Was the DSI under any kind of social control? Or was its intention to terrify”? Mr Chatwat asked.

The DSI falls under the control of the Justice Ministry.

Political spectators have essentially viewed issues related to the Senate poll as being socially determined — a tit-for-tat between political parties. &nbsp,

But, Mr Chatwat said that he, as head of the Senate committee on constitutional companies, anti-corruption and great leadership, was merely following method.

However, Pol Col Tawee said, in response to the latest issue, that he did not think the shift was social. &nbsp,

He said the research into the income route related to some 7, 000 people has begun. Forensic evidence may show whether there was collusion in the Senate election approach, he added.

” We are never bullying or helping people. We only want the information and fairness to speak for themselves”, said the justice minister.

Pol Col Tawee added that the titles he had received, which were involved in the reported cooperation, matched those of 138 lawmakers. But, no distinct claims have yet been made against any of them. &nbsp,

Pol Col Tawee also brushed off another complaints against him, including his alleged role in facilitating former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s remain in the Police General Hospital, instead of serving his name in prison, upon his return from exile abroad.