NONG KHAI: Two Lao nationals who allegedly smuggled 91.4 million baht across the Thai border last week would rather allow Thailand to seize the money than reveal who gave it to them, according to a Thai customs official.
Suban Toeisiri, 30, and his younger brother, Khambon Toeisiri, 24, claimed they operated a foreign currency exchange business and brought US$2.8 million into Thailand to exchange into Thai baht at Krungthai Bank's Nong Khai branch, which they were to take back to Laos, Nimit Saengamphai, head of the Nong Khai Customs House, said Monday.
They did not reveal the source of the money, only saying they were not involved in drugs.
Mr Nimit said investigators have contacted the bank and were waiting for a response.
Meanwhile, the customs committee, whose members include representatives from the Finance Ministry and the Royal Thai Police, is expected to meet this week and discuss what to do with the money, he said.
According to the Finance Ministry, travellers must declare cash to customs officials if they carry foreign currency valued at 450,000 baht or more in or out of Thailand.
The pair were arrested at a border checkpoint on Dec 12 while allegedly attempting to smuggle 98 million baht in cash out of Thailand via the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge which connects Nong Khai in Thailand to Vientiane in Laos.
A search of their Toyota Land Cruiser found some milk cartons containing stacks of 1,000-baht banknotes.
On closer inspection, they found a large amount of money hidden in the vehicle, including the car's engine. The vehicle and cash were impounded.
They have been released on bail, but are not allowed to leave Nong Khai.
Officials do not believe their story and looking to see whether the brothers are involved in other illegal activities.
