Ruling Thai military finds self innocent in graft case

By CS Thana

BANGKOK

The ruling Thai military has found its own members innocent of graft in a case that claimed they had misappropriated funds for a $20 million theme park containing gigantic statues of Thai kings.

Army Chief Teerachai Nakwanich told reporters Friday that an internal review had found that all donations for Ratchapakdi Park had been accounted for despite local media reports suggesting police were investigating a military officer for appropriating 20-30 million baht ($560,000-$840,000) from the project.

"There is no need for an investigation by the National Anti Corruption Commission," he said.

Nakwanich added that ruling junta would not open the park's books for an audit, or disclose how much the park had cost.

"What do you want me to do? Execute someone over this?" he said.

The officer identified by Khaosod Online as involved in the scandal -- Col. Khachachart Boondee -- is reported to have fled to Myanmar on Nov. 1 after criminal charges were filed against him in a separate lese majeste case.

Nakwanich said no military officers are currently wanted in connection with the statue park case.

Last week, Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Udomdej Sitabutr -- who chaired the foundation in charge of the project until his Oct. 1 retirement from the post of army chief -- said that some corruption had occurred, but that the money had been returned.