Bangkok Post
Former graft-busters get jail terms in Prawit watch case
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Two former officials of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for failing to disclose information related to the high-profile luxury watch case involving former deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Key facts
- Two former officials of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for failing to disclose information related to the high-profile luxury watch case involving former deputy prime
- The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases announced the ruling on Wednesday against Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit and Supa Piyajitti
- The controversy arose after the retired general, a key figure in the 2014 coup, was spotted wearing an undeclared Richard Mille watch in December 2017, leading to allegations of unexplained wealth.
- An NACC panel in December 2018 voted 5-3 to clear Gen Prawit of asset concealment, accepting his explanation that he had borrowed the watches from a friend who later died, and therefore did not need to declare them.
Summary
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases announced the ruling on Wednesday against Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit and Supa Piyajitti. It subsequently approved their request for release pending an appeal, setting bail at 400,000 baht each and prohibiting them from leaving the country without permission.
The case was originally brought by veteran activist Veera Somkwamkid, head of the Anti-Corruption People’s Network, against 12 existing and former NACC commissioners. He alleged that the 12 defendants colluded to conceal documents concerning Gen Prawit’s possession of luxury wristwatches and valuable rings worth as much as 40 million baht during his tenure as deputy prime minister.