NACC to investigate Pongpat's wealth

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has asked police for information on assets seized from former Central Investigation Bureau chief Pongpat Chayapan and some of his subordinates to determine if they are unusually rich.

Police chief Somyot Pumpunmuang sits in the middle of valuables seized from former Central Investigation Bureau chief Pongpat Chayapan at a press conference in late November. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

NACC deputy secretary-general Worawit Sukbun met national police chief Somyot Pumpunmuang at the Royal Thai Police Office in Bangkok Monday to request details on assets seized from the properties belonging to Pol Lt Gen Pongpat.

Requested data also cover assets of former deputy CIB chief Pol Maj Gen Kowit Wongrungroj and former marine police commander Pol Maj Gen Boonsueb Phraithuean.

Mr Worawit said that the three senior officers had declared their assets with the NACC as the law required officers at the commander level and above do. The law does not require their declarations to be disclosed publicly.

It was reported earlier that cash, artefacts and valuables seized from residences of Pol Lt Gen Pongpat alone were estimated at more than 10 billion baht. Pol Lt Gen Pongpat and subordinates are accused of receiving bribes from police officers wanting promotions, gambling den operators and oil smugglers.

• Search for Pongpat's assets continue 

Mr Worawit said that police chief Pol Gen Somyot agreed to cooperate with the NACC and the sought information would be gradually transmitted to the anti-graft panel.

"The NACC will wait for the information from police officers handling the case. It will form a sub-committee to check assets before and after position assumption of Pol Lt Gen Pongpat and concerned police officers and find if they are unusually rich," Mr Worawit said.

He also said that the NACC could finish the examination quickly and that the earlier asset declaration of Pol Lt Gen Pongpat had not showed any irregularity.