Suphoth still mum on origin of Bt18 million stolen from home

Suphoth Sublom, the embattled permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, yesterday remained tight-lipped about the recovery of Bt18 million cash stolen from his house while police expect to track down this week the suspected gang leader, who is reportedly hiding in Laos.
“I do not wish to comment on the case because my remarks might fuel speculation and cause further confusion,” Suphoth said.
He said he wants justice to run its course as the National Anti-Corruption Commission is conducting a graft probe while police are investigating the November 11 break-in at his home.
Wang Thonglang police are handling the case while Lt General Winai Thongsong from Metropoli-tan Police is supervising the investigation.
Police have detained eight of the 11 suspects. The total haul from Supoth’s home may be as high as Bt200 million.
Pol Colonel Thawat Wongsanga, superintendent of Wang Thonglang station, said the Bt18 million cash was being kept at a confidential location to safeguard the evidence.
“I suspect even some police might get greedy in the face of so much cash,” he said.
Investigators have scheduled an interview with Suphoth to determine why he reported only Bt5 million missing, he said.
Investigators were searching for Bt9 million which a suspect, Praphan Riengkruea, claimed to have helped a key suspect, Veerasak “Ko” Chualee, to stash away. Although Praphan later retracted his statement, investigators believe he was trying to change his defence tactics.
Investigators have been seeking the cooperation of Laotian police to find Veerasak.
The two other suspects on the run, Pongsak “Jieb” Namwong |and Kamnuan Meknoy, have not contacted police about surrendering.
Investigators suspect Pongsak is holed up in the outskirts of Bangkok while Kamnuan might have fled to the West.
Amid speculation that the cash might be related to alleged corruption at the Transport Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said he was gathering information on the bidding to construct two Skytrain routes – the purple and green – to disclose within two weeks to the public outside Parliament.
He said people might not remember that he had revealed information on the project in Parliament once.
“When we give a statement to officials, damaged parties and witnesses must watch out because we can be taken to task for giving a false statement.
“But suspects giving false statements, the law regards that as not committing an offence,’’ he said.
“This issue will not end easily. The public must wait for another one to two weeks.’’
Chalerm dropped a bombshell on November 24 during a House debate, saying that the burglary was linked to irregularities in Skytrain projects (new lines).
Former transport minister Sopon Saram has threatened to sue Chalerm for defamation, but Chalerm said he did not mention Sopon even once.
“I only suggested that if the permanent secretary had this massive amount of money, how much would the minister have? I did not even say which minister. What suit am I to face? I do not dare offend Sopon, as he might be angry. I have known him since 1988. Sopon has a bigger boss, doesn’t he? If he does, please tell me who,” Chalerm said.
On the investigation into the deaths of 91 people and the killings of Japanese and Italian journalists during the red-shirt rally last year, Chalerm said police have wrapped up their work and would forward their files to the Attorney-General’s Office today.
“We will know by then who ordered the killings. What the orders said. What types of guns were used and the order was clear which part of the body to be shot at. I assure you that the evidence in the case is solid.
“I’m in charge of this case,” Chalerm said.