JUSTICE MINISTRY

DSI chief targeted in conflict of interest probe

SUPAWADEE INTHAWONG

Justice permanent secretary Jarun Pukditanakul yesterday ordered a fact-finding inquiry into alleged conflict of interest involving Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Sunai Manomai-udom. The investigation was prompted by a complaint by DSI investigator Pol Col Anothai Bamrungpong who questioned Mr Sunai's impartiality in a probe into tax-evasion allegations against tobacco importer Philip Morris Thailand.

The DSI was assigned by the previous government to investigate allegations the firm had under-reported the value of tobacco imported into Thailand and therefore underpaid on import taxes.

According to Pol Col Anothai, the chairman of Philip Morris Thailand, Chaiwat Bunnag, is Mr Sunai's brother-in-law and Mr Sunai removed a number of investigators from the case after he was made DSI director-general early this year.

Mr Jarun said he decided to launch an inquiry into the complaint after summoning the DSI chief, Pol Col Anothai and DSI deputy chief Pornchai Asavawattanaporn to explain the matter yesterday.

''The fact is that Mr Sunai and Mr Chaiwat are relatives'' he said.

''What has to be established is whether or not the DSI chief has intervened in the case.''

Mr Sunai dismissed Pol Col Anothai's complaint as nonsensical, insisting he had never interfered in the DSI's investigation into Philip Morris Thailand.

He also said the DSI's investigation was unique in that the probe team also comprised representatives from the Office of the Attorney-General, the Commerce Ministry and the Customs Department.

Mr Pornchai, the DSI deputy chief who is heading a team investigating the Philip Morris case, has also been questioned over his alleged impartiality in the case as his wife is also allegedly connected to Philip Morris Thailand.

He also rejected the insinuations, saying his wife acted only as an adviser for a legal firm representing Philip Morris and in no way represented the tobacco company.

According to Pol Col Anothai's complaint, the investigators removed from the tobacco inquiry following Mr Sunai's appointment were Pol Col Thawee Sodsong, Pol Suchart Wong-ananchai, Pol Col Dusdee Arayawut, and himself.

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