Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court has upheld the ruling of the Central Administrative Court ordering the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to disclose to “The Matter” online media within 15 days the findings of its investigation into Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan’s expensive wristwatches, which he claimed to have borrowed from a former classmate.
The court said that the NACC’s refusal to date to disclose the findings tantamount to dereliction of duty.
The NACC explained that it may face penalties, in accordance with Article 180 of the Anti-Corruption Act, if it discloses the findings to the media. A committee of the Official Information Commission has ruled that the NACC will be exempt from punishment for revealing the findings.
The NACC has cleared General Prawit of making a false assets declaration by omitting the 22 luxury wristwatches, which he was seen wearing on numerous occasions. General Prawit claimed that he borrowed the wristwatches from Patthawat Suksriwong, who is now deceased, and has returned them to his family.
