Amlo seizes assets in lese majeste case

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) has confiscated assets worth about 44.3 million baht from suspects in connection with a high-profile lese majeste case.

Amlo chief Seehanat Prayoonrat said yesterday the seizure was conducted on Tuesday under the Anti-Money Laundering Act after authorities examined the money trail of four lese majeste suspects: Pol Maj Prakrom Warunprapa, Suriyan “Mor Yong” Sucharitpolwong, Mr Suriyan’s close aide Jirawong Watt han a the wasilp, and Col Khachachart Boondee.

The frozen assets consisted of money from eight bank accounts, a bank draft held by Col Khachachart, and two condominiums owned by Suriyan and Jirawong.

Of the bank accounts, five belonged to Col Khachachart, and the remaining three accounts each were owned by Suriyan, Mr Jirawong and Sureewan Charnrit, a relative of Suriyan’s. The confiscated assets have been frozen as evidence, Pol Col Seehanat said.

The suspects faced charges of breaching Section 112 of the Criminal Code for allegedly citing the monarchy in business dealings connected to the “Bike for Mom” and “Bike for Dad” cycling events to obtain personal benefits.

Pol Maj Prakrom and Suriyan died while in military custody recently, and Col Khachachart, who is also linked to alleged corruption in the Rajabhakti Park project, remains at large.

Mr Jirawong is now being detained at a temporary prison at the 11th Military Circle in Bangkok’s Dusit district.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said police can take legal action against Maj Gen Suchart Prommai and it was not necessary to revoke his rank. He was no longer a military officer as he has resigned.

Maj Gen Suchart was one of three suspects for whom warrants were issued by the Bangkok Military Court on Wednesday for being allegedly involved in the lese majeste case.