FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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NACC to probe gold mine bribery claim

NACC to probe gold mine bribery claim

THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has set up a sub-committee to probe an allegation that an Australia-registered company had bribed Thai state officials to obtain a gold mining concession.

The sub-panel will be chaired by NACC member Wicha Mahakhun and will include NACC member Supa Piyajitti and experts on law and foreign affairs. It will probe corruption allegations involving a gold mine whose operations cover Phichit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces. 
Greg Foulis, CEO of Kingsgate Consolidated NL, insisted his company has never made any improper payments in return for a mining lease in Thailand and would fully co-operate with Thai authorities in relation to resolving this matter.
Wicha said initial evidence has been sent from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The ASIC-registered company was accused of wiring money to Thailand to obtain advantages in getting gold mine concessions and paying bribes to Thai officials. Hence, the SEC passed the information onto NACC to investigate the matter, he added. 
“Kingsgate has always acted in accordance with Thai mining law and categorically states that it has never made an improper payment in return for a mining lease in Thailand," Foulis said.
He confirmed that the firm would fully co-operate with Thai authorities to resolve the matter.
“Kingsgate adheres to strict corporate governance principles and company accounts are audited annually by internationally recognised auditors. These accounts are publicly available at www.kingsgate.com.au.” 
Kingsgate holds a 48-per-cent share in Akara Mining, while the remaining percentage is held by Thai partners.
In related news, almost 100 members of a residential group living near Chatree Gold Mine in Phichit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces yesterday filed a petition with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Public Service Centre opposite Government House. They said their quality of life had improved due to the mine’s employment and development funds, and they suffered no adverse health effects from living near the mine. 
Surachat Munsama, the leader of the group, urged Prayut to order all related agencies to present accurate facts about the mine and release the results of health and environment test so that society knows the truth. They urged the government to proceed with public forums on the policy of the gold mineral survey and mining in new sites in 12 provinces to ensure the public understand the mining operations. 
The group has visited many media companies recently to call for fairness in reporting news about the mine and affirm they could live around the mine without any health or environmental issues. 
 
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