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Published on December 4, 2007

The Assets Examination Committee will file a complaint against executives of a bank for allowing millions of baht in interest to be withdrawn from the frozen accounts of the Shinawatra family, a source said yesterday.

The money on which the interest was earned came from the proceeds of the Shin Corp share sale.

An AEC panel, led by Viroj Laohapan, reported the interest was transferred to saving accounts and the bank had allowed the money to be withdrawn during the run-up to the general election without notifying the AEC.

"The bank executives obviously broke the AEC's order [to freeze the accounts] and committed a criminal offence,'' the source said.

The AEC did not reveal the allegations at a press conference yesterday over concerns about the bank's credibility.

Meanwhile, the AEC panel probing the two-and three-digit lottery scam had found more evidence of irregularities in the use of funds earned from sales, AEC member Udom Fuangfung said.

The panel extended its investigation after finding the Social Development and Human Security Ministry had returned Bt700 million to the Government Lottery Office (GLO) and the Education Ministry had handed over several hundred million more, claiming the money was student grants between 2003-2004.

Udom said the panel suspected irregularities. It believed that had the money been used in accordance with the law, the agencies would have exhausted the funds. The AEC will summon GLO officials over the unused money.

Udom expressed confidence the panel could complete the investigation within this month. It had earlier wanted to wrap up the investigation yesterday.

The panel rejected a request from Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan for the AEC to summon more witnesses for questioning over the lottery scheme because it believed Sudarat had a motive to delay the investigation, AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said.

The AEC has yet to file charges against former Bangkok city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin over the purchase of fire-fighting equipment because yesterday she submitted a letter with the AEC seeking justice and sympathy.

The AEC had earlier resolved to file charge against Nathanon, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, and former commerce minister Watana Muangsook over the irregularities in the purchase of fire fighting trucks.

Bancha Khaengkhan

 The Nation