Officials with Panama Papers link 'will face action'
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Officials with Panama Papers link 'will face action'

Any state official found to have offshore holdings linked to the Panama Papers scandal will be reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further action, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) says.

NACC action against officials will depend on stipulated laws, acting Amlo secretary-general Pol Col Seehanat Prayoonrat said Thursday.

Documents relating to about 214,000 offshore entities covering almost 40 years were reportedly leaked from Mossack Fonseca, a law firm in Panama.

The company was accused of providing legal consultancy for people wanting to avoid taxes and launder money.

At least 21 residents in Thailand are reportedly listed in the Panama Papers.

Based on the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists's offshore leaks database, released in 2013, 780 individuals living in Thailand, including about 400 Thai nationals, had registered offshore holdings.

The prominent names include well-known business people, politicians, a former high-ranking military officer and celebrities.

Amlo is currently in the process of gathering information and will hold a press briefing about the matter today.

Pol Col Seehanat said the leaked list remains unofficial and unclear.

If clear evidence of wrongdoing is found among individuals, including officials, who declare their assets and liabilities to the NACC, Amlo and other state agencies will report the matter to the anti-graft body.

"Right now the disseminated information is still unofficial, but when it becomes official, it will be put into the system," the Amlo chief said.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said Thursday that Amlo had briefed him about the Panama Papers and more information was being sought.

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