Banyin denies he cheated tycoon
Former deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn surrendered to police yesterday and denied involvement in the theft of shares held by late billionaire contractor Chuwong Sae Tang.
Pol Lt Col Banyin, accompanied by his lawyer, Bancha Chaijam, yesterday reported to Crime Suppression Division (CSD) chief Akkaradech Pimolsri after the Bangkok South Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and another three suspects on Monday.
Pol Lt Col Banyin, who was charged with theft, forging documents and receiving stolen assets, denied the allegations. He said he was ready to defend himself in court. The other suspects are Kanthana Siwathanapol, a former golf caddie, stockbroker Uracha Wachirakulton, and her mother Srithara Phromma. They have told police they will turn themselves in to answer the charges today.
Chuwong’s shares worth 228 million baht were transferred to Ms Kanthana, who is pregnant and claims she is carrying his baby, a few days before he was killed in a car crash in Prawet district on June 26. The vehicle was driven by Pol Lt Col Banyin, who sustained only minor injuries.
Pol Lt Col Banyin insisted he had no connection with Chuwong’s share transfers. He complained the CSD rushed to compile evidence and witnesses but that he never had a chance to bring his own witnesses to give testimony.
He also threatened to sue the investigators for dereliction of duty in violation of Section 157 of the Criminal Code for carrying out an unfair investigation.
He asked why Chuwong had never filed a complaint with police if he found irregularities. “If I had cheated Chuwong, why would he have played golf with me on the day he died?” Pol Lt Col Banyin asked. Pol Lt Col Banyin was bailed for five million baht. The court prohibited him from leaving the country.