AMLO to probe on 21 Thais implicated in "Panama Papers"

BANGKOK, April 6 (TNA) -- Justice Minister Gen Paiboon Koomchaya has said that it is the responsibility of Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to request for additional information from International Money-Laundering Information Network regarding 21 Thai nationals reportedly included in a list of people worldwide using a Panama-based law firm for money laundering and tax evasion. Gen Paiboon told journalists Tuesday that the Thai government would do nothing because the unconfirmed information was leaked by foreign media and, therefore, was “not official.” He said the government would take action if the information was disclosed officially. A report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) cited leaked documents from law firms "Mossack Fonseca" that have been assisting politicians and leaders worldwide - including the 21 Thai nationals - implicated to carry out the illicit acts. Presently, the AMLO is coordinating with International Money-Laundering Information Network, seeking for more information whether the 21 Thai citizens were doing clean businesses, said Gen Paiboon, warning the media to “respect the privacy” and to refrain from publishing m the names of those accused Thais. Asked whether the Department of Special Investigation would be assigned to jointly probe in the case, Gen Paiboon replied it was unnecessary because the AMLO could take legal action if those accused were found guilty. The issue was not discussed during the Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, said Gen Paiboon, adding that it was better to allow the AMLO to conduct the investigation first. (TNA)