Source: Samak involved in fire trucks, boats deal
KING-OUA LAOHONG
The Assets Scrutiny Committee's (ASC) sub-panel is likely to spare Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin from indictment in City Hall's fire trucks and boats deal, according to a source at the committee.
The sub-panel, led by ASC chairman Nam Yimyaem, investigating the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) 6.7-billion-baht deal, however found Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej involved in every step of the deal, said the source.
The BMA procured 315 fire trucks and 30 fire boats at an allegedly inflated price. Mr Samak inked the deal on Aug 27, 2004, the last day of his tenure as Bangkok governor. Mr Apirak, who succeeded him, signed the letter of credit.
The sub-panel met yesterday to conclude an indictment of the people implicated based on its findings.
The source said: ''The sub-panel found Mr Apirak's explanation admissible that he tried to stop the opening of the letter of credit but he was forced to do so by the Interior Ministry.''
The ministry oversees the BMA.
''The sub-panel found that Mr Apirak had made his best effort and he should be cleared of all charges.''
Besides Mr Apirak, Somsak Khun-ngern, former secretary to then deputy interior minister Pracha Maleenont, also escaped indictment, the source added. Mr Somsak had only done his job of notifying the BMA of the deal.
Other people named for their roles in the procurement process include former interior minister Pokin Polakul, former deputy interior minister Pracha Maleenont, and former director of the BMA's Fire and Rescue Department Pol Maj-General Atilak Tanchukiat.
More parties involved in the controversial project are former commerce minister Watana Muangsuk, former city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin, former chief of the Foreign Trade Department of the Commerce Ministry Rachen Pojanasunthorn, Steyr Co, the supplier, and its representative Mag Minar.
Mr Apirak is eligible to run again to be Bangkok governor in the poll set for Oct 5. His term expires in August. But he has promised not to return to the job if he is found guilty in the case.
The sub-panel will meet tomorrow to work out more details. Their findings will be submitted to all ASC members for their decision on Monday.
But when asked about Mr Apirak's fate, ASC member Banjerd Singkhaneti, who sits on the sub-panel, said the sub-panel had yet to decide and there remained many details to be discussed.
''No one could lobby me [to save Mr Apirak]. Every decision is backed with evidence. On June 19, we will conclude who will be charged,'' he said.
Mr Nam declined to give any comment, saying the ASC will make a final decision on the case.
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