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Published on April 18, 2008

The list includes former deputy PM Vishanu Kruangarm, Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa, Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong and senior officials at the Land Department.

They have been called to testify early next month.

Vatana showed up in court for the first time after four postponements because of health problems. He refused to testify verbally and tried to negotiate for a written defence, which the court rejected. However, Vatana succeeded in leaving the court before giving verbal testimony yesterday, but the court, led by Judge ML Krairerk Kasemsan and eight other judges, will summon him back soon.

Vatana cited temporary amnesia and mental confusion for his failure to show up in the past and for not responding to the court this time. He said he was still sick.

Vatana is alleged to have been involved in the issue of illegal land titles for 1,900 rai of land covering public canals and a garbage dump site in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district and resold to the state for the multibillion baht water-treatment site.

The politician, who is arguably the most influential man in Samut Prakan province, showed up in a black suit yesterday and told the media that he was a victim of character assassination.

"I've been a politician for 30 or 40 years. My family's reputation has been ruined ... If I'm really guilty, don't jail me for life - execute me!"

The first testimony from witnesses will start on May 2.

Kesinee Taengkhio

The Nation