First lot of Pongpat's ill-gained goods put up for auction
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An oil painting worth Bt50 million is among the first lot of about 2,000 items, seized from former crime-buster Pol Lt-General Pongpat Chayaphan and his corrupt officers, which will be sold at two auctions next month, the secretary-general of the Anti-Mon
Seehanart Prayoonrat said the auctions would take place at a military barracks north of Bangkok.
The first auction will be held from March 5 to 8, after a preview session from March 2 to 3 when bidders will be allowed to see the items, and the second auction is scheduled for March 23 to 26, after a preview from March 20 to 21.
The items are the ill-gotten gains of Pongpat, the former commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, and other corrupt police who bought, acquired or received them in bribes as part of their nefarious activities, Seehanart said.
More than 20,000 items are sitting in temporary police storage awaiting future auctions.
Seehanart did not give a total estimate of the value of Pongpat’s booty, which consist of decorative pieces, genuine artefacts and imitations, tableware and items of furniture. Media reports have suggested that one of the items is a much-sought-after 109-year-old oil painting worth around Bt50 million.
Bidders who acquire items at starting prices under Bt50,000 must pay in cash. For items with a starting price of over Bt50,000, bidders must pay a 10-per cent deposit during the preview, 25 per cent on the day of the auction, and the rest within 15 days of the auction.
All proceeds from the auctions will be handed to the Finance Ministry, and the rightful owners of assets can claim the money plus interest if they have proof of original ownership.
Another batch of 1,000 pieces is not available for auction as they are protected by special laws and must be kept permanently in state custody at various agencies. The items selected for the initial auctions are those that might depreciate while future auctions will feature items that won’t depreciate.
The items were seized from the homes of Pongpat and his officers after they were arrested and removed from high-ranking positions in a major takedown. The officers are serving part of their prison terms while awaiting trials on many other cases involving crimes related to Pongpat’s racketeering.
AMLO also seized another 152 items worth around Bt350 million belonging to Pongpat and 14 other people.
