Prawit’s time bomb

Re: “Prawit’s case ‘a personal matter’”, ( BP, Jan 24).

Defending DPM Prawit Wongsuwon from the barrage of questions on how a career military man, with a current monthly income of 250,000 baht or so, could afford to wear at least 25 ultra-luxury watches totalling 39.5 million baht, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says, “This is a personal matter”.

But, as the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand secretary-general Mana Nimitmongkol correctly notes, the matter is not personal — given that the DPM has immense power over taxpayer funds. He is the defence minister, and has been the Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief, with key input in military purchasing, perhaps including the GT200 bomb detector, which was less effective than flipping a coin, yet costing 1 million baht each; or the observation balloon which has proven unable to sustainably fly at combat heights.

Like Caesar’s wife, Gen Prawit must be above suspicion; we, the public, have a right to know that his use of the watches was transparent and honest, and didn’t involve past, present, or future usage of taxpayer funds or services.

If, as claimed, the watches were all on loan, their return would not end the matter. Who lent each watch, and what was their relationship with Gen Prawit? Was anybody directly or indirectly involved in a past, present, or potential business relationships using public funds? If the NACC claims that such investigations are beyond its jurisdiction, then other bodies must take up the search for the truth.

For the findings to be credible, the person being investigated must not be able to influence the proceedings. Thus, DPM Prawit should step aside immediately, until the findings by an independent commission, composed of members not nominated by the Ministry of Defence, are announced.

BURIN KANTABUTRA