Yongyuth case accepted
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases yesterday accepted a case brought by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against former key Pheu Thai Party figure Yongyuth Wichaidit for negligence of duty regarding a land dispute.
The NACC has accused Yongyuth of unlawfully rescinding a Land Department order that prohibited the transfer of 732 rai (117 hectares) of land from Wat Thammathikaram to the Alpine Golf Course. The action enabled the late politician Snoh Thienthong to buy the land from the temple in an allegedly illegal transaction.
Yongyuth was subsequently charged with abusing his authority as acting permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry in 2001 to facilitate the land sale.
The commission voted six to three in June 2002 to pursue charges against Yongyuth, who has declared his innocence, in the Criminal Court.
The court will consider evidence and hear witnesses on behalf of both the public prosecutor and Yongyuth’s defence on December 13.
Yongyuth was released on bail of Bt200,000 but prohibited from leaving the Kingdom without court permission.