The arrest last week of an investigative reporter going about his job has put the spotlight once again on the uneven prosecution of corruption -- and the apparent use of favouritism and intimidation in some cases. Reporter Natthaporn Weeranun of the Isra News Agency was looking into the background of a National Anti-Corruption Commission probe. The NACC has announced it is interested in a possibly false declaration of assets by retired Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon. He is both a former national police chief, and the younger brother of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
The indirect intrusion into Pol Gen Patcharawat's case by police has raised once again the case of another famous set of brothers. Army Gen Preecha Chan-o-cha was investigated at least twice by the NACC over questionable financial information. He is the younger brother of Prime Minister Prayut. Public interest is inevitably raised to a new level when the younger brothers of the two top government ministers -- both are members of the National Legislative Assembly -- are named in cases involving the anti-graft body.
Gen Preecha, also retired, is no stranger to controversy. Apart from questions over his and his wife's wealth, one of his sons got a job in the Defence Ministry without going through recruitment process. That took place when the general was permanent secretary for Defence. His other son was alleged to have won a number of state contracts including those of military projects in Phitsanulok, the centre of 3rd Region Army, where Gen Preecha was then commander.
Pol Gen Patcharawat's case has another level of controversy. Less than two weeks ago, he was acquitted by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions of charges of malfeasance in a case associated with violent crackdown on a yellow-shirt crowd of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) that killed one protester and maimed several others. The NACC has a little over two weeks to petition the court ruling. In the meantime, a separate NACC investigation of the former police chief centres on allegations he made false asset declarations. One allegation is whether he owns Kae Kai Apartment at Soi Phahon Yothin 32.
That is where police confronted, arrested and seized the mobile phone of reporter Natthaporn last Wednesday. He had entered the apartment compound, identified himself to the staff and asked to speak to Somthavil Wongsuwon, Gen Patcharawat's wife. The attendant called police. The newsman was released on bail of 15,000 baht.
Mr Natthaporn testified the door to the apartment complex was open and he simply walked in. Police insist their actions were righteous, which is difficult to believe. The public naturally suspects police were simply trying to send a message not to investigate their former chief. The presence of the ex-chief's brother at the very top of the government pyramid reinforces that credible belief.
Isra News Agency is a unique organisation in Thailand, part of a loose but worldwide consortium of investigative news agencies and outlets. Barring evidence by Phahon Yothin police that has so far not appeared, Isra's account of the arrest and treatment of Natthaporn has full credibility. It has all the appearance of intimidation of all media. The Thai Journalists Association urged police to do the right thing and drop all charges in the so-called trespassing incident.
Pol Gen Patcharawat may not like the glare of the spotlight. But his case is a legitimate case of media interest, given his former high rank in police force and current status of member of the prestigious law-making body. Like his boss the prime minister, Gen Prawit has said he has no knowledge of the details of his younger brother's case. Two cases of "little brother" being investigated for graft has brought major public attention, and the "big brothers" should be doing more to ensure the cases are investigated honestly and, if warranted, prosecuted.