Call for more prosecutions in KTB loan scandal

Wanchai Bunnag met with Pol Lt-Colonel Banthoon Chimkra, Department of Special Investigation case office chief, and asked him to reopen the probe into Krung Thai’s loan to the Krisda Mahanakorn Group.

He wants the DSI to investigate whether former board members of the bank, Information and Communication Technology Minister Uttama Savanayana and Chainarong Indharameesup, were involved in illegally approving the loan.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders sentenced former KTB board chairman Suchai Jaovisidha, ex-KTB president Viroj Nualkhair and ex-KTB board member Matchima Kunchorn na Ayutthaya to 18 years’ jail each. 

Uttama and Chainarong were among the board members who approved the loan but have not faced charges like the other members.

Wanchai also wants the DSI to check alleged irregularities over a move by Bangkok Bank to reduce debts to the Krisada Mahanakorn Group from Bt14 billion to Bt4.5 billion, despite the bank being aware the group had obtained a Bt8 billion loan from Krung Thai.

DSI deputy director-general Somboon Sarasit said the money laundering case related to the Bt8 billion loan would be wrapped up next month. 

He said the DSI had received statements from those who received cheques in relation to the scandal including Panthongtae Shinawatra, ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s son.