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.
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.
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.
Mr Veera said he had lawfully requested disclosure of investigative documents after alleging that Gen Prawit had intentionally submitted an inaccurate asset declaration.
He said the defendants failed to comply with rulings by the Official Information Board and subsequent orders by the Supreme Administrative Court to disclose three categories of information: investigation reports and collected evidence, opinions of NACC officials handling the case, and minutes of NACC meetings related to the inquiry.
The NACC later provided incomplete documents with significant portions blacked out, despite court orders mandating full disclosure. The plaintiff said such actions amounted to misconduct under Section 157 of the Criminal Code concerning malfeasance by state officials. (Story continues below)
Most cases dismissed
During preliminary proceedings, Mr Veera withdrew his complaint against one defendant after it was found he had completed his term upon reaching age 70, before the alleged offences took place.
The court later dismissed charges against seven other defendants, finding insufficient grounds to proceed.
Mr Veera subsequently sought to withdraw the case against two more defendants, which the court permitted. However, the court rejected his request to withdraw the complaint against Pol Gen Watcharapol and Ms Supa, citing public interest and potential damage to the state.
The court on Wednesday ruled that the two remaining defendants intentionally failed to comply with their legal duty in order to prevent the plaintiff from accessing the documents.
It said that Mr Veera, as an anti-corruption advocate, had the legal right to obtain the information following the Supreme Administrative Court ruling. The defendants’ actions constituted misconduct and abuse of authority, the court said in passing sentence.
- Editorial : The general’s watches
