A former executive of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, Phairoj Suwanchawee, on Monday challenged fugitive financier Rakesh Saxena to produce proof that he or other members of the "Group of 16" politicians were in any way linked to Bangkok Bank of Commerce (BBC) embezzlement scandal.
Mr Saxena, who was financial adviser to the BBC before its collapse in 1996, is charged with embezzling 1.6 billion baht. He fled overseas and was arrested by Canadian police in the same year. He was returned to Thailand last Friday, losing his 13-year battle against extradition.
The Indian-born financier, 57, is known to have had connections with the so-called Group of 16 and they were accused of being involved in the fraud which led to the bank's failure.
Its members included Mr Phairoj, Bhumjaithai Party de facto leader Newin Chidchob and Puea Pandin member Suchart Tancharoen.
"If anyone, especially Mr Rakesh, has evidence or documents indicating that I was implicated in the case, I want them revealed," Mr Phairoj said.
"Since I've known Mr Rakesh, I've never have a single baht in his account."
Mr Phairoj claimed false allegations were being made against him by certain groups of people and the media.
He said Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu earlier submitted financial documents to the Anti-Money Laundering Committee for inspection but no conclusion was made.
"If any agency wants to inspect me, I'm ready to clarify everything," he said.
He said he had not talked about this with other members in the Group of 16, but did not believe any of them had anythng to be afraid of.
"Mr Rakesh should reveal everything so the society understands. I do not believe anybody would want to discredit me now that I have stepped down from politics," Mr Phairoj said.
About the author
- Writer: Online Reporters
- Position: Online Reporters
