DSI investigating unusual foreign fund flows

BANGKOK, Feb 12 (TNA) – Following reports of quantities of irregular fund transfers from overseas to anti-government activists to stir the country, Thai Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said Friday the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is now investigating to verify the sources and the purposes of those funds.

The move came after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva directed that the case be probed after acting government spokesperson Panitan Wattanayakorn said the information of the unusual transfers of funds from abroad was based on the claim of a senator and tips from members of the public.

Dr Panitan earlier reported that irregular money transfers occurred from the end of the year until recently, with fund transfers from Asia and the Middle East increasing considerably. But he has not specified any particular group or person as being involved with the matter, saying that the transfer might be partly attributed to the global economic recovery which has attracted more investors.

Mr Pirapan however said on Friday that the unusual money transfer from overseas is considered violating the law and happened from time to time.

He said he has instructed the DSI to carry out the probe but not focusing on particular aspect as the transfers may or not be linked to politics.

The justice minister added that DSI officials will work with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and will also look through all kinds of illegal businesses including pyramid scam following unconfirmed reports suggesting that the money from such kind of business has been used for political movement.

Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his staunch supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) challenged the government to show evidence to prove its claim that the alleged fund flows might be linked to the Red Shirts. (TNA)