Sathian probe widens over extra B800m

Sathian probe widens over extra B800m

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has expanded its graft probe into former defence permanent secretary Gen Sathian Permthong-in, who has been accused of being unusually rich.

Sathian: Even wealthier than before

It is now looking into the origins of an additional 800 million baht in assets which he says he holds.

NACC member Vicha Mahakhun said an inquiry panel was tracing the origins of the assets, which the retired general revealed yesterday in a new round of asset declarations.

In February, the anti-graft agency froze about 65 million baht of assets belonging to Gen Sathian and three others - his wife Natthanicha Permthong-in, their daughter, and Sombat Chanthornwong, a Thammasat University lecturer - after declaring him to be unusually wealthy while serving as defence permanent secretary.

"Gen Sathian's additional assets worth 800 million baht include land plots and buildings," Mr Vicha said.

"He declared that he received some assets from his mother-in-law. The inquiry panel has to examine all his assets to find out where they came from.

"If he fails to provide a clear explanation of how he has acquired them, those assets will be seized."

Gen Sathian was due to testify before the panel early this month, but asked for a postponement. Mr Vicha said the NACC agreed to delay Gen Sathian's testimony by another 45 days as requested.

A source said a Thai-style wooden house in Ubon Ratchathani province was among Gen Sathian's additional assets. The panel would conduct an in-depth investigation into the assets once Gen Sathian has testified.

The Office of the Attorney-General would be asked to take legal action against him for being unusually rich if he cannot give a satisfactory explanation of how he acquired them, the source added.

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