Chuan, Tarrin cleared by panel

Merging of reserve accounts not illegal

Pradit Ruengdit and Supawadee Susanpoolthong

A graft commission panel has rejected a malfeasance complaint brought against former premier Chuan Leekpai and his finance minister, Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda, by the leader of the Luangta Maha Bua disciples.

The complaint, made possible by a collection of 50,000 signatures, was lodged with the National Counter Corruption Commission through the Senate.

Thongkorn Wongsamut, who led the sign-up campaign when Mr Chuan was prime minister of the previous government, accused the two men of unconstitutionally directing national policies and demanded their removal.

The complainants alleged Mr Chuan and Mr Tarrin had wrongly authorised the merger of central bank accounts, with the economic bailout fund raised by Luangta Maha Bua being channelled to offset the bank's losses.

They said this was against the donors' wishes. The merger exploited the fund, which was supposed to be used to help sustain the crisis-battered economy.

The source said the investigating sub-committee found Mr Chuan and Mr Tarrin had complied with proper administrative procedure in approving the amendment to Revolutionary Order 281 on fair trade by foreigners, which had been properly scrutinised.

The change was proposed by foreign chambers of commerce through the Commerce Ministry.

Mr Chuan and Mr Tarrin did not exert their authority beyond what was legally permissible and so their actions did not constitute an abuse of power.

Commission secretary-general Klanarong Chanthik confirmed the sub-committee chaired by Lt-Col Kamol Prachuabmoh had finished its deliberations. The conclusion would be passed to the commission for consideration and a ruling announced in two weeks.

The case had been delayed by the need to study a lot of detail and form a new panel to replace the one chaired by Khunying Preeya Kasemsant na Ayudhya, who had resigned.