Probe on Thais involving in ‘Panama Papers’

BANGKOK, April 14 (TNA) -- Sansern Poljiak, secretary-general of Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), has been assigned to coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and find out whether Thais implicated by Panama-based law firm in possible tax evasion or money laundering, said chairman of NACC Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit. Sixteen Thais were named in the so called "Panama Papers" leak but it is not clear at this stage whether they broke the anti-money laundering law. He said the AMLO had obtained information on "Panama Papers" and learned that 16 Thais, including former politicians, were allegedly named in the list. In practice, the AMLO would send information to the NACC and the latter would probe whether those people have to declare their assets and liabilities, said Pol Gen Watcharapol. They have to give reasons why they did not declare them and it is the duty of NACC to investigate whether their actions were illegal. Presently, a clearer picture is needed from the AMLO, he said. The vast stash of records from law firm Mossack Fonseca, the so-called Panama Papers, was obtained from an anonymous source by German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung and shared with more than 100 media groups by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. AMLO acting Secretary General Pol Col Seehanat Prayoonrat said earlier that the 16 people were listed as directors or shareholders for companies set up by Mossack Fonseca. He said AMLO was seeking confirmation on the names from authorities in Panama. (TNA)