Corruption: B1bn deals tied to nationwide school futsal pitch scandal

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: More than than 10 legal entities, with the help of several individuals, conducted transactions worth more than Bt996 million related to a futsal-pitch corruption scandal, according to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo).

Nominees involved in the case, if convicted, may face jail terms of over 100 years each.

Amlo began looking into transactions related to the Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) project to build futsal pitches for its schools earlier this year, after some parents and schools began complaining that the pitches were of poor standard and voicing suspicion of possible corruption.

According to the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Obec had got more than Bt600 million to build futsal fields at 358 schools in 17 provinces.

“We already know who now holds the money and how the amount got into their hands,” Amlo secretary-general Seehanat Prayoonrat said yesterday. He said a total of 265 transactions were related to the futsal-pitch project.

“All people, legal [bodies] or individuals, involved in the transactions must explain themselves to us,” Seehanat said.

Information from Amlo reveals that some suspects come from famous families, while some are nominees, and some entities involved are local administrative bodies. Some parts of the ill-gotten gains have reportedly been turned into stock options.

Seehanat said the Amlo would be able to seize the suspects’ assets, based on its probe into the flow of money, after the National Anti-Corruption Commission and PACC Commission find them guilty.

“Those involved in the transactions should prepare necessary documents if they wish to prove that they got the assets legitimately,” he said.

— Phuket Gazette Editors