'No meddling in Suphoth probe'
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Deputy PM Chalerm Yoobumrung yesterday told the Senate Standing Committee on Corruption Investigation and Good Governance that there was no bullying or foul play involving politicians in the investigation into the robbery at the residence of suspended Tra
During Chalerm’s testimony to the committee, Senator Rosana Tositrakul questioned if the money was planted at Suphoth’s home because the case was linked to politicians and urged that this case should be investigated with justice.
Chalerm said that it was unlikely the money was planted and there was clear evidence in the case hence the outcome could not be manipulated. Chalerm said that while the corruption investigation was going on, the investigation into the robbery case was complete and police were waiting to arrest three more suspects. Saying that Suphoth still could not explain why he had so much money, Chalerm said that many politicians liked to keep money at home and hence the authorities should investigate politicians overseeing various projects.
When Senator Khamnoon Sitthisaman urged for a crackdown on corruption probes into ministry projects in the past five years, Chalerm said the committee should request PM Yingluck Shinawatra to do it.
Deputy National Police chief General Panupong Singhara na Ayutthaya told the committee that the police still did not know the exact amount of stolen cash. Police had retrieved Bt18 million from eight suspects but the amount of stolen money kept changing, raising suspicions. He said police would work as per the law and justice system. He also said the suggestion that the money might be planted was impossible. He said the alleged gang leader Weerasak Chualee might make away with more than Bt100 million.
