Graft occurred before treaty with Cambodia

Posted by Cambodian News

August 20, 2008

Bringing convicted one-time deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame back from Cambodia could be difficult because his offences were committed before Bangkok and Phnom Penh had an extradition treaty.

Pol Gen Jongrak Juthanont said the Thailand and Cambodia extradition treaty came into force on April 1, 2001.

Vatana was convicted in his absence on Monday of corruption in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project, with the offences occurring between Aug 10, 1988, and Feb 23, 1991, and between April 12, 1992, and June 15, 1995.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him to 10 years in jail.

The former Samut Prakan MP had jumped bail and was thought to be hiding in Cambodia.

The national police chief said because the treaty took effect after the offences were committed, this could be a basis for contesting the extradition application.

”Vatana has done business and invested in Cambodia for such a long time that he enjoys close ties with politicians and businessmen there,” Pol Gen Jongrak said.

”Negotiations for his extradition are expected to be difficult.”

Police would ask that the Office of the Attorney-General explore other avenues to negotiate with Cambodia for getting Vatana back.

The Supreme Court also issued a warrant for Vatana’s arrest with a validity of 15 years under the statute of limitations.

Pol Gen Jongrak said Vatana might now be away from Cambodia, at least for the time being, as he was seen in Macau two weeks ago. However, it was believed he would remain largely in Cambodia where he had businesses to attend to.

Vatana runs two resort casinos in the border town of Poi Pet, opposite Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district.

Information and Communications Technology Minister Mun Patanotai said he had been in communication with Vatana and he was philosophical about his fate.

Mr Mun is deputy leader of the Puea Pandin party and is known to be a close associate of Vatana.

He said Vatana, 71, had come to terms with the fact that he could go to jail over the Klong Dan scandal.

”He is now old. He might think it better to leave and go somewhere else, rather than stay in jail,” Mr Man said.

The 15-year provision would naturally force Vatana to retire from public life, he added.

Mr Mun said Vatana’s sons, Chonsawat and Poolpol, were not likely to follow in their father’s footsteps into national politics. Both were more enthusiastic about local politics.

Source: The Bangkok Post