The National Anti-Corruption Commission denies foot-dragging in its investigation into the luxury watches scandal involving Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, saying that information it has obtained so far is still incomplete.
Withaya Akhompithak, an NACC member, said his office has gathered enough information domestically but more information is still needed from the manufacturers of the watches in other countries.
In seeking cooperation from these manufacturers, the NACC is required to rely on bilateral relations between Thailand and the countries where the manufacturers are based and relevent international laws. Therefore, it may take some time to get all information needed, but he could not give a definite timeframe for the completion of the investigation.
However, if the foreign companies did not cooperate, the NACC would conclude the investigation with the information on hand. Mr Withaya denied allegations that the NACC was buying time.
Gen Prawit has been drawn into public attention after he dazzled people with his collection of luxury watches — including 11 Rolexes, eight Patek Philippes and three Richard Milles. He said the timepieces were borrowed from his friends. The scandal prompted calls for the NACC to investigate and for Gen Prawit to resign.
