Assets’ seizure possible for fugitives in city administration scandal

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BANGKOK, Sept 12 – Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Organisation (AMLO) is considering to confiscate the assets of an ex-politician and a former Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official sentenced to heavy jail terms for corruption.

Pracha Maleenont, former deputy interior minister, and Pol Maj Gen Athilak Tanchukiat, former head of the BMA’s Disaster Prevention and Relief Department, were found guilty of corruption in the purchase of the firefighting boats, firetrucks and other equipment, worth Bt 6.686 billion, for the city.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Mr Pracha and Gen Athilak to 12 years and 10 years imprisonment, respectively.

Seehanat Prayoonrat, AMLO secretary general, said the corruption in the purchase of fire-fighting boats, trucks and equipment amounted to Bt6.6 billion.

In its meeting on September 19, the AMLO committee will discuss seizure of the pair’s assets in Thailand and abroad, he said.

The court deferred its verdict on late Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej, one of the defendants.

Pol Col Seehanat said whether Mr Samak’s assets would be seized depends on the court’s verdict as to whether he was guilty in the scandal.