Hearing on 76-bn-THB asset seizure case proceeds today

BANGKOK, 12 January 2010 (NNT) – A lawyer for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed no concern over two additional hearings on the 76-billion-THB asset seizure case by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on 12 January.

Chattip Tanthaprasat, the lawyer for the self-exiled ex-PM, said Mr Thaksin’s team of lawyers and prosecutors had examined documentary evidence for the case and some of the papers had been submitted to the court. He said the legal team was ready for the hearings where more witnesses would be present.

The court’s hearings are scheduled for 12 and 14 January 2010.

Dr Somkiat Tangkitwanich, an academic from the Thailand Development Research Institute, who used to study the conversion of telecommunications concession contracts by the Thaksin Shinawatra administration is among the witnesses. Other witnesses include representatives of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, National Telecommunications Commission, Ministry of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as well as former ICT minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom.

The Office of the Attorney-General earlier lodged a lawsuit to seek a court order to seize the 76.6 billion THB assets of Mr Thaksin. It is widely believed that the hefty amount of money has been acquired in an unlawful manner through the country’s giant telecommunication company Shin Corp founded by the Shinawatra family.